What hidden algorithms are deciding about you

[Consumer Reports]   Friend, Corporations use hidden computer programs to decide an array of things about you – from quoting you a certain auto insurance rate, denying or approving your mortgage application, to even landing a more timely doctor appointment. But these computer algorithms are fed by millions of pieces of data which can be inaccurate and biased, creating real harm – especially to communities of color and disadvantaged groups who are denied credit, home loans, or health care because of them. Worse, since consumers don’t know if or how an algorithm is being used, we are in the dark when they are used against us! But together, we can stop this algorithmic bias. First, discover how these hidden algorithmics can impact you and others in [three short videos we created to shine a light on these biases.]( Then, amp up the pressure on those corporations that use algorithms to end biased decision-making by [signing our petition to end this harmful practice!](  [Sign the Petition](  Consumer Reports and Kapor Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to racial justice, created [the BAD INPUT short film project]( to show how some data sets used to make decisions about you are simply outdated and discriminatory – leading to bias in medical devices, mortgage lending, and facial recognition software. For example, as COVID-19 swept the nation, medical professionals began realizing that the pulse oximeters they relied on for decades to measure blood oxygen levels were less accurate for patients with darker skin. With so many medical devices and treatments tested on predominantly white males, entire groups of people are being harmed by biased data inputs. There is no real oversight over how corporations and law enforcement use computer algorithms and facial recognition software. That leaves consumers in the dark about their uses, and how they impact their lives. [Sign our petition calling on corporations to]( public audits of these algorithms]( to ensure that no one is negatively impacted from an inherently biased computer program.  [Sign the Petition](  Please help us spread the word about algorithmic bias by [sharing our short videos with friends and family.]( The more people know, the better chance we have at ending algorithmic bias. Sincerely, Amira DhallaConsumer Reports [Unsubscribe from Consumer Reports action alerts.]( © 2022 Consumer Reports, 101 Truman Avenue, Yonkers, NY, 10703 [Contact Consumer Reports](