Backlight: The Algorithm Addiction investigation

Find out more about what it takes to do an award winning investigation from one of our lead contributors.

We chat to Gabriel Geiger lead reporter on Algorithm Addiction – an investigation which uncovered the complex web of secret algorithms, risk profiles, and data sharing deployed exclusively in low income neighbourhoods across the Netherlands. The story revealed how authorities throughout the country bypassed a landmark human rights ruling to deploy the tech. The reporting paved the way for NGOs to take court action against the government and kick-started a parliamentary debate. Gabriel talks about submitting dozens of Freedom of Information requests for the welfare fraud algorithm and reflected on the discrimination faced by vulnerable people who are arbitrarily flagged for fraud.