Transparency and accountability of government algorithms: the case of the Brazilian electronic voting system

Abstract In recent years a number of open data movements have emerged around the world, ensuring citizens more opportunities to access information, transparency being a factor associated with trust in public organizations and government. The transparency in algorithms translates into the knowledge of the steps performed and the criteria adopted to obtain a certain result. The objective of this study is to identify the characteristics of transparency and accountability of the Brazilian electronic voting system. Through the case study, recommendations and good practices of transparency in algorithms were examined with the particularities of the Brazilian electronic voting system, which provides control and oversight to society. This study advances the discussion on the influence of new technologies on democracy, placing the Brazilian electronic voting system within the limits of transparency and accountability of algorithms and the government in general.

摘要 近年来，全球范围内涌现出诸多开放数据运动，为民众获取信息提供了更多途径；透明度作为与公共组织及政府公信力紧密相关的要素，其重要性愈发凸显。算法透明度指的是对算法执行步骤与获取特定结果所采用判定标准的知晓程度。本研究旨在明确巴西电子投票系统的透明度与问责制特征。本研究采用案例研究方法，结合巴西电子投票系统可为社会提供管控与监督的独特属性，探讨了算法透明度领域的相关建议与最佳实践。本研究深化了新技术对民主进程影响的相关讨论，将巴西电子投票系统置于算法透明度、问责制及广义政府治理的范畴内展开分析。