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Written question asked by Chi Onwurah (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 June 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 June 2021 (named day). It was answered by Kemi Badenoch (Conservative) on Monday, 14 June 2021 on behalf of the Women and Equalities.

Racial Discrimination: Technology

Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, pursuant to the Answer of 25 May 2021 to Question 3857 on Racial Discrimination: Technology, whether she has made a further assessment of the feasibility of defining fairness mathematically as referred to in the The report of the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities published on 31 March 2021, other than in the research cited in footnotes 101-105 of that report.

Answer

The independent Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities published its findings on 31 March 2021. The report took an evidence-led approach drawing on academic research, expert views and over 2,300 submissions to the call for evidence. The Employment and Enterprise chapter of the report summarises the Commission’s research about Artificial Intelligence systems and bias in technology.

The Commission recommended that the government issue guidance that clarifies how to apply the Equality Act to algorithmic decision-making and require transparency for public sector bodies when this is applied to decisions concerning individuals. The government is still carefully considering the report’s findings and recommendations and will respond in full this summer.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
13053
Session
2021-22
Related items
Racial Discrimination: Technology
Tuesday, 25 May 2021
Written questions
House of Commons
Racial Discrimination
Tuesday, 30 November 2021
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Racial discrimination Technology Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk