"The algorithm was designed to serve public efficiency: framed as neutral, streamlined and objective. But something went terribly wrong."
"Hundreds of children were allocated places in schools miles from their homes across rivers and fjords, over major highways, in neighbourhoods they had never visited."
"The schools administration seemed unable or unwilling to explain what had happened or to address the errors, leaving parents in disbelief."
"It was nearly a year before city auditors confirmed what many of us had suspected; the algorithm had been given flawed instructions."
In 2020, Gothenburg implemented an algorithm for school placements, aiming for efficiency. However, the system resulted in hundreds of children being assigned to schools far from their homes, often across difficult terrains. Parents were left confused and frustrated, as the schools administration provided no clear explanations. The situation escalated until city auditors confirmed that the algorithm had been given incorrect instructions, calculating distances inaccurately. This incident highlighted the dangers of relying on technology without proper oversight and the impact of systemic failures on families.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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