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

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.

Publication

18 November 2023

#work

Legal report

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

Algorithmic systems are increasingly being used in workplaces in Switzerland. Under the current legal framework, companies should involve their employees in certain decisions. However, this is often not the case in practice. This report shows which rights employees have as well as which obligations employers have when it comes to employee participation, what gaps can be identified in the legal framework and how these could be closed.

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

New study: Research on Microsoft Bing Chat

AI Chatbot produces misinformation about elections

Bing Chat, the AI-driven chatbot on Microsoft’s search engine Bing, makes up false scandals about real politicians and invents polling numbers. Microsoft seems unable or unwilling to fix the problem. These findings are based on a joint investigation by AlgorithmWatch and AI Forensics, the final report of which has been published today. We tested if the chatbot would provide factual answers when prompted about the Swiss, Bavarian and Hessian elections that took place in October 2023.

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

AI surveillance rumors: gay adult content creators face sanctions

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

A dollar for your face: Meet the people behind Machine Learning models

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

HUMAN

People must ensure that AI serves the people

FINDHR hero picture

FINDHR

Fair algorithms in personnel selection?

Analytics for the People?

What algorithms at the workplace mean for worker rights and participation

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

What trade unions need to know about algorithms in the workplace

Automated Decision-Making Systems in the Public Sector – An Impact Assessment Tool for Public Authorities

Read now: Swiss Edition of the Automating Society Report 2020

Positions

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

Press release

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

Press release

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

Expert Policy Proposal

The AI Act and General Purpose AI

Blog

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

Press release

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

Press release

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

Social Media

AlgorithmWatch CH ceases activities on X, formally known as Twitter