Madrid, 27 September 2024 – Lighthouse Reports has been awarded the first-ever Access Info Impact Award for its leadership in the groundbreaking ‘Suspicion Machines’ investigation, which uncovered discriminatory algorithmic practices across Europe.
Lighthouse Reports spearheaded the collaborative investigation series Suspicion Machines, which revealed how machine learning algorithms used by welfare systems to detect fraud and errors were disproportionately targeting individuals based on ethnicity and gender.
Through a series of freedom of information requests, the investigation shed light on the widespread use of these opaque systems in six European countries, starting in the Netherlands and expanding to Denmark, France, Serbia, Spain and Sweden. The project was co-published with leading media outlets including WIRED, Vers Beton, Le Monde, El Confidencial, Svenske Dagbladet, Follow The Money, Argos, and OpenRotterdam.
“Previous AI accountability investigations have relied on algorithmic outputs. We wanted to obtain complete access (code, training data, and machine learning model files) to algorithmic decision-making systems and do so across European countries” said Gabriel Geiger, Lighthouse Reports. “This meant devising and implementing a large-scale freedom of information campaign across European countries with vastly different access to information regimes. Government agencies resisted us at every turn. Collaborating with local reporters in each country, we went to court, filed complaints with Ombudsman offices, and waited for over a year to obtain access”.
The award, presented ahead of International Right to Know Day, honours the organisation’s significant contribution to transparency and human rights by using freedom of information to uncover systemic biases in automated welfare systems. By leveraging the right of access to information, the Suspicion Machines investigation exposed the profound societal impacts of algorithmic decision-making and the urgent need for greater transparency in the development and deployment of these technologies.
The members of the Evaluation Committee praised the work of Lighthouse Reports and recognised the need to strengthen the right to information globally:
“For years Access Info Europe has been at the forefront of promoting and expanding the use of the right to information. It is very gratifying and hopeful to now see others, like Lighthouse Reports, take up the challenge and demonstrate how the right to information is key to realising many other human rights.” said Ana Revuelta.
“Access to information cannot be taken for granted. Despite numerous international standards, regional court rulings, and increasing legislation, challenges persist due to ineffective implementation, lack of institutions, accountability, and the rise of AI tools,” said Joan Barata Mir. “This award recognises these issues and promotes innovative solutions in this area.”
“I hope this award will further encourage all those working to strengthen democracy and rule of law across the world. The more we innovate and cooperate, the bigger our chances are to create success stories that inspire others and help bring about positive change in our daily lives”, added Sergejus Muravjovas.
About the Access Info Impact Award
The Access Info Impact Award was created to recognise and celebrate those who have effectively used their right to information to make significant contributions to advancing human rights, environmental protection, democracy, and anti-corruption efforts. Lighthouse Reports was chosen from a pool of high-quality nominations submitted by civil society organisations, journalists, academics, and citizens from across Europe.
As part of the Access Info Impact Award, Lighthouse Reports will be invited to speak at the Open Government Partnership Summit in Spain. This prestigious platform will allow Lighthouse Reports to share their story and insights with an international audience of policymakers, advocates, and fellow transparency champions.
Through this award, Access Info and the Open Government Partnership honour the impressive work and achievements of Helen Darbishire in championing access to information globally.