Mozilla Festival 2021 (March 8th – 19th, 2021)

Mozilla Festival 2021 (March 8th – 19th, 2021)

Algorithms in Government & Procurement

Globally, we are a fulcrum on the future of automated decision making (ADS) systems within government. How do we build up frameworks that make algorithmic decisions as accountable as the person who is programming them? How do we ensure that government procurement policies enable transparency? If ADS systems are made by the government, are there greater safeguards than if they are made by private developers? If ADS is made by the government, is it more likely to be open sourced? Scrutinized by academics and professionals?

The goal of this session is to socialize existing best practices around ADS procurement. We will highlight that government procurement needs critical reform. We will explore how to push back against bad ADS purchases, and how technologists, advocates, civil servants, and lawyers can work together.


We're hoping that many efforts and discussions will continue after Mozfest. Share any ideas you already have for how to continue the work from your session.:

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How will you deal with varying numbers of participants in your session?:

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What is the goal and/or outcome of your session?:

The goal of this session is to socialize existing best practices around ADS procurement. We will highlight that government procurement needs critical reform. We will explore how to push back against bad ADS purchases, and how technologists, advocates, civil servants, and lawyers can work together.

Executive Director of BetaNYC & government technology activist

Civil Rights Litigation / Technology Research Fellow / Formerly of Legal Aid Society & Data & Society

Jeanna Matthews is a professor of computer science at Clarkson University. Her work focuses on algorithmic accountability and supporting the rights of individuals in a world of automation.

Head of Data Ethics