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.

Position Paper

Focus Attention on Accountability for AI − not on AGI and Longtermist Abstractions

Many tech CEOs and scientists praise AI as the savior of humanity, while others see it as an existential threat. We explain why both fail to address the real questions of responsibility.

Image: Rose Willis & Kathryn Conrad / betterimagesofai.org

3 September 2025

#discrimination #work

Media release

Discrimination through AI hiring tools: Research project presents new solutions

A major European research project is releasing new tools, approaches, and concrete recommendations aimed at tackling discrimination in job recruiting caused by AI hiring tools. 

Graphic: Robert Báez / Fábrica Memética for FINDHR / CC BY 4.0

Blog

6 June 2025

Report algorithmic discrimination!

When we apply for credit, apartments, or jobs online, companies increasingly use automated systems to process our data and make decisions that impact our daily lives. The problem: Such systems are not neutral and can reproduce inequalities and assumptions about people that already exist in society. What can we do to ensure that the use of non-transparent automated systems does not lead to people being disadvantaged? We need to make algorithmic discrimination visible, and you can help us with it!

Small pixel-style computer icon

Story

12 August 2025

#ai #fellows #work

The AI Revolution Comes With the Exploitation of Gig Workers 

Business process outsourcing (BPO) companies manage the human work behind AI development. However, they face accusations of worker exploitation, underpayment and wage theft. Big tech companies benefit from this work model.

Illustrations of six data workers, working at computers in isolation from each other. Painted background includes hazy image of cubicles; digital overlay of glass fractures.

Explainer

Fighting the Power Deficiency: The AI Energy Crisis

Is AI contributing to solving the climate crisis or to making it worse? Either way, the increase in AI applications goes hand in hand with the need for additional data centers, for which energy resources are currently lacking.

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

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

July 31, 2025

Infrastructure or Intrusion? Europe’s Conflicted Data Center Expansion

A black-and-white image depicting the early computer, Bombe Machine, during World War II. In the foreground, the shadow of a woman in vintage clothing is cast on a man changing the machine's cable.

May 22, 2025

Scams and Shadow Workers: A Black Market is Selling European Accounts for AI Training

Podcast False Positives Mockup with Mobile

February 6, 2025

«False Positives»: A Podcast on Financial Discrimination & De-banking

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

November 16, 2022

How to Reduce Discrimination when Using Algorithms in Recruitment

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

June 26, 2024

How and why algorithms discriminate

February 27, 2024

What trade unions need to know about algorithms in the workplace

December 15, 2023

AI Chatbot produces misinformation about elections

Positions

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

July 15, 2025

Which AI do we want? Framework conditions for algorithms & artificial intelligence

February 7, 2025

AI Action Summit: AlgorithmWatch demands sustainable AI

April 11, 2024

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

Blog

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

April 4, 2025

Algorithmic discrimination in the world of work

February 20, 2025

AI Action Summit in Paris – a missed opportunity?

January 8, 2025

Zuckerberg Makes Meta Worse to Please Trump