One component of the principle of accountability in data ethics is that residents should be able to appeal the data stored on them or the outcome of any decisions made about them based on that data.
Whilst local government organisations have certain legal obligations that cover elements of this, LOTI recommends that councils make an ethical commitment to the residents they represent and proactively design mechanisms that make this process as easy as possible.
Recruitment is a good example. If an organisation is using an algorithm to assess CVs, applicants need a timely appeal and recourse process as they may need a decision to be overturned quickly enough to still participate in the next stage of the recruitment process.
LOTI recommends that, in the design stage of any new data project, data teams consider whether residents will need the right to appeal and recourse. If so, LOTI recommends using user-centred design and digital methods to ensure that these processes sufficiently meet the needs of the data subject in their social context.
To complement the GDPR, the European Commission provides guidance for organisations about individuals having the right to a hearing or appeal for automated decisions.
