--- title: "The Impact of Algorithms on Rights" id: "8223" type: "post" slug: "the-impact-of-algorithms-on-rights" published_at: "2020-06-16T00:00:00+00:00" modified_at: "2026-03-14T21:58:53+00:00" url: "https://associationsnow.com/2020/06/16/the-impact-of-algorithms-on-rights/" markdown_url: "https://associationsnow.com/2020/06/16/the-impact-of-algorithms-on-rights.md" excerpt: "Algorithmic systems—human-coded computational processes for collecting and analyzing data to create outputs—are increasingly being used by governments, corporations, and other organizations. While they are adopted to provide organizations with more data and improved workflow, their implications are not yet fully..." taxonomy_category: - "Ethics" taxonomy_post_tag: - "ASAE Foundation" - "ASAEcenter" - "bias" - "digital rights" - "Ethics" - "IT Strategy & Management" taxonomy_content_format: - "Article" taxonomy_role: - "Association CEO / Executive Director" - "C-Level" - "Director" - "Executive Team" - "VP" taxonomy_persona: - "Executive Leadership" --- [Home](https://associationsnow.com/) » [Articles](https://associationsnow.com/format/article/) » The Impact of Algorithms on Rights Algorithmic systems—human-coded computational processes for collecting and analyzing data to create outputs—are increasingly being used by governments, corporations, and other organizations. While they are adopted to provide organizations with more data and improved workflow, their implications are not yet fully understood. A dearth of both transparency and regulation around these systems exacerbates the uncertainty. The forthcoming [ASAE Foresight Works (opens in a new tab)](https://www.asaecenter.org/resources/asae-foresightworks) “Algorithms and Rights” action brief provides an association lens on issues inherent in using algorithms in decision-making. Associations may use algorithms for [human resources management (opens in a new tab)](https://www.asaecenter.org/resources/articles/an_plus/2020/may/legal-risks-of-using-artificial-intelligence-in-hiring) or member engagement, but leaders should be wary when they do. These systems reflect the biases of their programmers—including, but not limited to, race and gender bias—which can perpetuate inequities. As the Algorithmic Responsibility pillar of ASAE’s [Diversity +Inclusion Strategic Plan (opens in a new tab)](https://www.asaecenter.org/-/media/ASAE/Files/AboutASAE/ASAE_DI_Strategic_Plan_FY19_21.ashx?la=en&hash=B5B47D85C07651F9009A0DC47AA85863BA5802E8&hash=B5B47D85C07651F9009A0DC47AA85863BA5802E8) [PDF] notes, “Algorithms find patterns within data sets that reflect implicit bias and, in so doing, maintain some of the same biases that permeate society.” The challenge with algorithmic systems is that the potential for bias is not contingent on just one factor. According to the action brief, algorithms consume a massive amount of data in drawing conclusions. For example, U.K. payday lender [Wonga analyzes 7,000 data points (opens in a new tab)](https://www.wired.co.uk/article/ai-bias-black-box-sandra-wachter) to assess whether an applicant would be likely to default. Associations can combat this issue by evaluating the algorithmic systems they use to eliminate bias. Leaders can examine how algorithms are being deployed—and what thought leaders are saying about future uses. Consider which uses might be harmful: Gather information, engage experts and stakeholders, and be prepared to take a stand when you identify harmful biases. Algorithmic systems will affect many decisions across society, including payer and insurance reimbursement, job candidate screening, and regulatory compliance. Not all use of algorithmic systems is regulated, and when it is, the rules vary by locality. Associations have the opportunity to translate information and help members understand laws and regulations where they exist. Leaders may also seek a seat at the table when legislation is being crafted and lobby for legislation that will be fair and advantageous for their members. Algorithmic rights, particularly as they pertain to bias, will be an ongoing issue across all industries. If associations commit the time and resources to do so, they can help drive a more equitable digital environment. [Emily Rabbitt, CAE](https://associationsnow.com/author/emily-rabbitt-cae/) Emily Rabbitt, CAE, is a former manager of research content and knowledge resources for the ASAE Foundation. [More articles by this author](https://associationsnow.com/author/emily-rabbitt-cae/) Tags: [#ASAE Foundation](https://associationsnow.com/tag/asae-foundation/) [#bias](https://associationsnow.com/tag/bias/) [#digital rights](https://associationsnow.com/tag/digital-rights/) [#Ethics](https://associationsnow.com/tag/ethics/) [#IT Strategy & Management](https://associationsnow.com/tag/it-strategy-management/) **Stay Informed** [Subscribe to our free newsletter](https://associationsnow.com/newsletter/) , *Associations Now Daily News*, to find out what’s happening in the association world every business day. ## You Might Like - [ArticleMember Data and the Ethics of AIMarch 27, 2025](https://associationsnow.com/2025/03/27/member-data-and-the-ethics-of-ai/) - [ArticleThe Legal Impact of AI on AssociationsOctober 13, 2023](https://associationsnow.com/2023/10/13/the-legal-impact-of-ai-on-associations/) - [PodcastSecuring Identity: What Associations Need to Know About Verifiable CredentialsJune 25, 2025](https://associationsnow.com/2025/06/25/securing-identity-what-associations-need-to-know-about-verifiable-credentials/) - [ArticleTechnical Standards: The Hard Part of Making Everyone HappyJuly 18, 2017](https://associationsnow.com/2017/07/18/technical-standards-the-hard-part-of-making-everyone-happy/) ## Comments **Comments are for ASAE members.** [Learn more about comments on this site.](https://associationsnow.com/comments/) [Log in](https://associationsnow.com/login?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fassociationsnow.com%2F2020%2F06%2F16%2Fthe-impact-of-algorithms-on-rights%2F%23comments) to your member account or [join ASAE](https://my.asaecenter.org/select-a-membership-type/) !