Algorithmic Governance: opportunities and pitfalls

What is Algorithmic Governance?

“ The use of software to provide services that have traditionally been the responsibility of public officials.”

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Pros of Algorithmic Governance

Less opportunity for corruptionand nepotism.

Greater efficiency

Lower costs

Greater citizen satisfaction because of above.

Corruption and nepotism has been endemic to all new democracies.

Corruption was endemic in the US during the 1800s.

US political nepotisms was known as the “Spoils System “.

Regulation was put in the hands of permanent agencies staffed by experts who were chosen based on education and civil service exams rather than political connections.

In the United States this civil service reform happened in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Algorithmic governance may be a way for developing countries to rationalize public services more cheaply and easily than was the case in developed countries.

Examples of how:

Devices like street light cameras decrease opportunities for bribery.

Use of hiring algorithms for public service positions should decrease potential nepotism and help depoliticize hiring.

Another problem developing countries face is how to establish clear property rights.

Block chain decentralized ledgers….

Citizens as sensors:

Using ubiquitous mobile technology to receive updates on everything from traffic accidents to non-emergency service needs.

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-cellphone-microscope-idUSKBN0TK5UC20151201

Cons of algorithmic governance.

“Smart cities” can be what Anthony Townsend calls “buggy, brittle, and bugged”.

Over reliance on software to provide services can result inthose services experiencing the kinds of failures common in“buggy” software.

Algorithmic systems can also be “brittle” that is easily crashed by unexpected contingencies.

It is also the case that the more computerized and networked services are the easier it is for them to be “bugged” that is hacked and used for purposes not intended.

Further words of warning:

Need to be mindful that technology and political action (even when stated goals are achieved) have unintended consequences.

Ex: In US rationalization led to a decline in political participation and legitimacy.

Beware of what Evgeny Morozov calls “technological solutionism” the idea that an easy technological fix can take the place of long term, difficult political and institutional work.

Conclusion: algorithmic governance offers developing countries many Opportunities, but needs to be pursued carefully with awareness of its limitations.