Governance, Law & Compliance
Algorithmic impact assessment
AIA
A structured evaluation of the risks and effects of an automated decision system.
Example
A formal algorithmic impact assessment documents risks from a public-sector decision system.
Why it matters
It brings structured scrutiny to automated choices that could affect people's opportunities or treatment.
You'll hear it
“What did the assessment change about our launch plan?”
Can you control it?
Sometimes
Sometimes. An organization can define or influence an algorithmic impact assessment through its policies, processes, contracts, and product choices. Individual users may have fewer controls.
Common questions
- Is there one standard form for every organization?
- No. Required formats and scope depend on the relevant rules or framework.
- Should the assessment consider the human process around the system?
- Yes. Staff actions, appeals and the surrounding service can change the effects of an automated decision.
- Can an assessment justify proceeding with any level of harm?
- No. Identifying a problem does not automatically make it acceptable or lawful to proceed.