'The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness': The Future of Human Rights Law in the Light of Algorithmic Authority

German Yearbook of International Law 60, Forthcoming.

15 Pages Posted: 6 Mar 2018

See all articles by Helmut Aust

Helmut Aust

Free University of Berlin (FUB) - Department of Law

Date Written: February 26, 2018

Abstract

The increasing use of big data and machine learning algorithms raises several legal issues. Automated decision-making potentially undermines the very concept of human agency which is central to human rights law. Human agency enables a communication process between those bound by human rights and the rights-holders. To the extent that decision-making processes become fully automatic and autonomous, a form of algorithmic authority would arise. While human rights law is not silent with respect to such processes, doctrinal attempts to come to terms with this development are not very promising. Instead, a political process is required in order to establish a legal framework for the exercise of algorithmic authority.

Keywords: Algorithms, Big Data, Human Rights Law, Privacy, Non-Discrimination

JEL Classification: K00, K30, K33

Suggested Citation

Aust, Helmut, 'The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness': The Future of Human Rights Law in the Light of Algorithmic Authority (February 26, 2018). German Yearbook of International Law 60, Forthcoming., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3130043

Helmut Aust (Contact Author)

Free University of Berlin (FUB) - Department of Law ( email )

Boltzmannstr. 3
Berlin, 14195
Germany

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