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IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - The importance of algorithmic transparency in decisionmaking processes

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Writing Task 2 Topic: The importance of algorithmic transparency in decision-making processes

Question: In today's world, the use of algorithms in various sectors is becoming increasingly prevalent. Some people argue that algorithmic transparency is essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring fairness, while others believe that proprietary rights should be protected and that full disclosure may lead to misuse of data. Discuss both sides of the argument and give your own opinion on whether algorithmic transparency in decision-making processes is more important than protecting proprietary rights or vice versa.

Model Answer:

In recent years, algorithms have become an integral part of our lives, affecting various sectors including finance, healthcare, and education. While some people argue that algorithmic transparency is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring fairness, others contend that protecting proprietary rights is more important to prevent misuse of data. In this essay, I will analyze both sides of the argument and present my own viewpoint on the matter.

On one hand, proponents of algorithmic transparency emphasize the need for understanding how an algorithm works to ensure its fairness and avoid potential biases. For instance, if an algorithm used in hiring decisions is found to discriminate against a certain demographic group, it can lead to legal consequences and tarnish the reputation of the organization using it. Additionally, transparent algorithms help maintain public trust, as people are more likely to accept decisions made by an open and understandable system than one shrouded in secrecy. In this sense, algorithmic transparency is essential for maintaining social cohesion and fostering trust in digital systems.

On the other hand, those advocating for the protection of proprietary rights argue that revealing the inner workings of an algorithm may lead to misuse of data by competitors or even malicious actors. For instance, if a company's trade secrets are exposed, it could result in significant financial loss and a competitive disadvantage. Moreover, protecting proprietary rights encourages innovation, as companies can invest resources in refining their algorithms without the fear of replication. In this perspective, safeguarding the secrecy of algorithms is more important than ensuring transparency.

In my opinion, algorithmic transparency should be prioritized over protecting proprietary rights in most cases, especially when dealing with sensitive issues such as healthcare, criminal justice, or hiring decisions. Although companies may argue that their competitive edge could be compromised by revealing their algorithms, the potential consequences of biased decision-making or discrimination far outweigh this concern. It is essential to strike a balance between protecting proprietary rights and ensuring algorithmic transparency to guarantee fairness and public trust in an increasingly digital world.

In conclusion, while there are valid arguments for both sides of the debate, algorithmic transparency is more important than protecting proprietary rights in most cases. Ensuring that algorithms are transparent not only fosters public trust but also helps prevent discriminatory practices and biased decision-making. However, a balance must be maintained between these two aspects to guarantee a fair and just digital environment for all.

Score:

Task Response: 9
Coherence and Cohesion: 8
Lexical Resource: 7
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 9

Total: 33/40 (Band Score: 7.25)

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