Wyden, Booker, Clarke Introduce Algorithmic Accountability Act of 2022

Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), Senator Booker (D-NJ), and Representative Clarke (D-NY) introduced legislation that would improve transparency and accountability around algorithms used for important life decisions today. The Algorithmic Accountability Act of 2022 requires companies to complete algorithmic impact assessments that provide key details around a given algorithmic system, directs the FTC to create regulations, and hire additional staff to enforce them. EPIC endorses this bill, and sees it as creating a critical baseline of understanding about how algorithms are used in sensitive points throughout our lives. “Algorithms often reflect judgments that reinforce bias and inequities in our society. There is little transparency on how these algorithms work, and there is rarely accountability for discriminatory outcomes. The Algorithmic Accountability Act of 2022 will change that by establishing crucial transparency measures to safeguard against discriminatory algorithms,” EPIC Deputy Director Caitriona Fitzgerald said.