Are there discussions in Sweden about the potential for algorithmic bias in mobile data analytics?

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Yes, Sweden is actively engaged in discussions about the potential for algorithmic bias in mobile data analytics, particularly concerning welfare and public service systems. These conversations have intensified following investigations revealing that automated decision-making tools may disproportionately affect marginalized groups.
Amnesty International


A significant case involves Försäkringskassan, Sweden’s Social Insurance Agency, which has been deploying machine learning algorithms since 2013 to assess the risk of social benefits fraud. Investigative reporting by Lighthouse Reports and Svenska Dagbladet uncovered that these algorithms disproportionately flagged women, individuals with foreign backgrounds, low-income earners, and those bulgaria mobile database without university degrees for further investigation. Notably, the system often presumed criminal intent from the outset for those with high-risk scores, leading to invasive scrutiny such as social media monitoring and interviews with neighbors .

The Swedish Equality Ombudsman has also highlighted concerns about algorithmic discrimination in financial services. For instance, an algorithm used by Western Union to block transactions based on EU sanction lists was found to disproportionately affect men and individuals of Arab or Muslim descent, leading to a case against the company .


In response to these issues, Sweden has initiated several measures to address algorithmic bias. The National Audit Office has begun large-scale oversight of automated decision-making within public agencies. Additionally, the Swedish government has established the addAI initiative, a collaboration between experts in academia, government, and industry, to discuss and explore the impact of AI on society, including issues related to fairness and discrimination .
Automating Society Report 2020


Furthermore, the European Union's Artificial Intelligence Act, effective from August 2024, imposes strict governance and transparency rules on high-risk AI systems, including those used by public authorities to determine access to essential public services and benefits. This legislation aims to mitigate risks associated with algorithmic bias and ensure that AI applications comply with fundamental rights .