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Project

Project RESONANCE*: The development of "fair governance", a new interdisciplinary psycho-legal research approach to assess public algorithm-assisted decision making *faiRnEss Self-determination gOverNANCE.

As we are transitioning to the fourth digital revolution, we become increasingly dependent on algorithms for decision making. Governments in particular are important players in this digital technology market, as they both use these technologies ánd regulate their use. In practice, tax administrations are already using predictive algorithms for tax compliance. These automated decisions can, however, have a substantial impact on citizens. Ungoverned algorithm use can entail a threat to legal elements and psychological needs that are already increasingly mitigated or ignored, such as the right to a human-in-the-loop, the right to privacy and transparency, as well as the psychological need for autonomy and fairness. In order to be able to assess the current and future governmental algorithm use practices in terms of their legality and potential psychological effects, we propose a new interdisciplinary research lens, i.e. "fair governance". This lens combines theories revolving around psychological needs, fairness and good administration. This will enable us to examine and avert the negative consequences of digital decision making, both through theoretical and empirical research (gauging citizens' perceptions). Ultimately, this research will help to inform policy to make public decision making future proof, both in terms of regulatory initiatives, as well as in terms of protocols to improve the human-machine interaction on the work floor.
Date:1 Jan 2023 →  Today
Keywords:TAXATION, FAIRNESS, GOVERNANCE, DIGITALIZATION
Disciplines:Work and organisational psychology, Administrative law, Tax law, Psychology of law
Project type:Collaboration project