S.T.O.P. Condemns NYC’s Relaunch Of Artificial Intelligence For Bail Hearings

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View this email in your browser For Immediate Release S.T.O.P. Condemns NYC’s Relaunch of Artificial Intelligence For Bail Hearings (NEW YORK, NY, 9/22/2020) – Today, the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (S.T.O.P.), a New York-based privacy group, condemns New York City’s relaunch of artificial intelligence software for bail hearings. The civil rights group also warns that automating the criminal justice system risks eroding defendants’ rights and promoting bias. The score from the A.I. risk assessment system could make the different between jail and freedom for thousands of defendants awaiting trial in New York City each year. SEE: W.S.J. - Algorithm Helps New York Decide Who Goes Free Before Trial https://www.wsj.com/articles/algorithm-helps-new-york-decide-who-goes-free-before-trial-11600610400 “We can’t risk using software that may simply automate discrimination,” said Surveillance Technology Oversight Project Executive Director Albert Fox Cahn. “Frequently, artificial intelligence simply learns to replicate and expand human biases. That sort of technology is always concerning, but when it makes the difference between jail and freedom, it’s absolutely terrifying. No New Yorker should have to fear that an algorithmic score will replace their day in court. We call on New York City to immediately cease use of this bail algorithm. In July, the civil rights group released a report highlighting inequalities of access in remote court hearings during COVID-19.   SEE: Virtual Justice: Online Courts During COVID-19 https://www.stopspying.org/virtual-justice   The Surveillance Technology Oversight Project is a non-profit advocacy organization and legal services provider hosted by the Urban Justice Center. S.T.O.P. litigates and advocates for privacy, fighting excessive local and state-level surveillance. Our work highlights the discriminatory impact of surveillance on Muslim Americans, immigrants, and communities of color.   - END – CONTACT: S.T.O.P. Executive Director Albert Fox Cahn   Copyright © 2019 Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, All rights reserved. Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.