AlgorithmWatch is a non-governmental, non-profit organization based in Zurich and Berlin. We fight for a world where algorithms and Artificial Intelligence (AI) do not weaken justice, democracy, human rights and sustainability, but strengthen them.

Experiment

Some image generators produce more problematic stereotypes than others, but all fail at diversity

Automated image generators are often accused of spreading harmful stereotypes, but studies usually only look at MidJourney. Other tools make serious efforts to increase diversity in their output, but effective remedies remain elusive.

Explainer

How and why algorithms discriminate

Automated decision-making systems contain hidden discriminatory prejudices. We’ll explain the causes, possible consequences, and the reasons why existing laws do not provide sufficient protection against algorithmic discrimination.

What is algorithmic discrimination?

Discrimination by algorithms and Artificial Intelligence (AI): we give an overview of the topic.

Stance

If the UN wants to help humanity, it should not fall for AI hype

How should the international governance of AI look like? This is the thorny question the UN Secretary General’s AI Advisory Body tries to address in its first interim report. We have highlighted some concerning aspects of the report in a recent consultation process.

Election year 2024

10 Questions about AI and elections

2024 is an important election year. While citizens all over the world get ready to cast their ballot, many people worry about AI: Are chatbots and fake images a threat to democracy? Can we still trust what we see online? We explain why the hype around AI and elections is somewhat overblown and which real risks we need to watch out for instead.

Photo: Element5 Digital / Unsplash

Atlas of Automation

To detect benefit fraud, measure work performance, predict a person's creditworthiness or show us personalised content online - algorithms and so-called "artificial intelligence" are shaping our everyday lives today. Where, by whom and for what purpose these algorithmic systems are used, however, is largely a black box. With the Atlas of Automation, AlgorithmWatch CH now sheds light on the darkness.

Graphic: Beate Autering

Project

16 November 2022

#work

FINDHR

Fair algorithms in personnel selection?

AlgorithmWatch CH is part of the Horizon Europe project “FINDHR”. In this interdisciplinary research project, we address software-related discriminatory effects within recruiting processes by developing methods, tools, and trainings that are designed to avoid discrimination.

Journalistic stories

How does automated decision-making effect our daily lives? Where are the systems applied and what happens when something goes wrong? Read our journalistic investigations on the current use of ADM systems and their consequences. Read our stories

September 18, 2024

For trans people, online transitioning can be a nightmare

April 6, 2023

AI surveillance rumors: gay adult content creators face sanctions

March 10, 2023

Reels of Fortune: Instagram-shaped memories for a bigger reach

Projects

Our research projects take a specific look at automated decision-making in certain sectors. You can also get involved! Learn more about our projects

February 29, 2024

People must ensure that AI serves the people

November 10, 2022

What algorithms at the workplace mean for worker rights and participation

November 2, 2021

Algorithms in the Swiss Political Discourse

Publications

Read our comprehensive reports, analyses and working papers on the impact and ethical questions of algorithmic decision-making, written in collaboration with our network of researchers and civil society experts. See our publications

February 27, 2024

What trade unions need to know about algorithms in the workplace

December 15, 2023

AI Chatbot produces misinformation about elections

November 18, 2023

How employees can influence the use of algorithms in their workplace – a legal perspective

Positions

Find here our positions on current policy and regulatory processes concerning algorithmic decision-making systems and online platforms. Our positions

March 5, 2024

The Council of Europe’s Convention on AI: No free ride for tech companies and security authorities!

January 25, 2024

Europe’s Approach to AI regulation: Embracing Big Tech and Security Hardliners

September 14, 2023

The AI Act and General Purpose AI

Blog

Current events, campaigns and news about our team - here you can find updates from AlgorithmWatch Switzerland.

March 5, 2024

The Council of Europe’s Convention on AI: No free ride for tech companies and security authorities!

January 25, 2024

Europe’s Approach to AI regulation: Embracing Big Tech and Security Hardliners

January 16, 2024

AlgorithmWatch CH ceases activities on X, formally known as Twitter