This work explores the issues of ethics and accountability associated with algorithmic decision-making. A fictional debt collecting company (Debt BB) codes an algorithm known as the ‘Superdebthunterbot’ to ensure fewer loan defaulters. Five individuals die as a result of the algorithm’s actions. Knowles’ 45-minute film shows a fictitious case in which the intelligent algorithm is prosecuted. The trial raises the question of who is accountable for machine-learning agents and whether the algorithm itself can be found guilty of manslaughter. The film was shot at Southwark Crown Court in London, where the courtroom sketches were also made.
The Trial of Superdebthunterbot, 2016
Helen Knowles
