Algorithm of interest: a qualitative analysis of the public debates in Dutch, UK, and Australian cases of algorithmic decision-making scandals

Abstract

This thesis examines scandals arising from algorithmic decision-making systems and the ensuing discourse, focusing on the concept of fairness in public debates. Three cases from Australia, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, where algorithmic systems were implemented in public institutions, are analyzed. Through qualitative research utilizing thematic analysis, textual data from e-petitions and media documents is thoroughly examined. The study reveals procedural and distributive justice as central themes in discussions surrounding fairness. Despite extensive exploration of fairness in political philosophy, empirical investigations remain limited. This thesis seeks to address this gap by empirically investigating the role of fairness in algorithmic decision-making scandals, highlighting its significance in contemporary discourse. Through the application of justice as fairness theory, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the challenges and implications of algorithmic decision-making systems in public institutions. By examining real-world cases, it sheds light on the complexities of fairness in algorithmic governance, offering insights that can inform both policy and academic discourse.