Big Data & Cloud Computing

New study adds to debate over racial bias in algorithms widely used in courtrooms

In this data-driven era, if you’ve been arrested it’s increasingly likely the judge deciding whether to send you home or to jail to await trial will consult actuarial math. Specialized algorithms—called risk assessment tools—plumb your history, demographics and other details to spit out a score quantifying how likely you are to commit another crime or to show up at your next hearing. But these tools have come under fire for treating people of color more harshly.

Jul 8, 2019 2:32 PM CDT

Liberating criminal justice data: How a Florida law provides a blueprint for the nation

In a self-imposed Sisyphean task, the team at Measures for Justice travels the U.S. unearthing, collecting and publishing criminal justice data. Today, Christian Gossett, district attorney for Winnebago County, Wisconsin, says more people are being released quicker pretrial, and he’s working with researchers to improve equity in diversion, thanks to the initial data made available by Measures for Justice.

Jun 18, 2019 6:30 AM CDT

Vermont’s new consumer protection law could be a harbinger for tech industry

In Vermont, prioritizing online consumer protection means shining a light on the shadowy world of third-party data brokers. A new state law requires increased standards and transparency of these companies that collect, buy or resell consumer data without having a direct relationship with the consumer.

Jun 1, 2019 12:50 AM CDT

Google Plus’ shutdown brings up ethical, legal questions about companies’ data retention obligations

Data stored in Google’s failed social network raises retention issues, not only for litigation purposes, but also for business continuity. Technologists and attorneys recommend data archival and contractual strategies to avoid losing important data.

Apr 1, 2019 1:10 AM CDT