AI watchdog needed to regulate automated decision-making, say experts

Algorithms can make bad decisions that have serious impacts on people's lives, leading to calls for a third party body to ensure transparency and fairness

An artificial intelligence watchdog should be set up to make sure people are not discriminated against by the automated computer systems making important decisions about their lives, say experts.

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has led to an explosion in the number of algorithms that are used by employers, banks, police forces and others, but the systems can, and do, make bad decisions that seriously impact people's lives. But because technology companies are so secretive about how their algorithms work - to prevent other firms from copying them - they rarely disclose any detailed information about how AIs have made particular decisions.