tl;dr: rule by algorithm-the code that codes your life.
Definition:
Algocracy is the concept that algorithms increasingly govern many aspects of society—ranging from government functions (as seen in “government by algorithm”) to the subtle ways that commercial systems, social media platforms, and surveillance technologies shape our lives.
Scope:
While the idea of “government by algorithm” is rooted in discussions around automating decisions in public administration, my interest in algocracy broadens this to include the myriad ways algorithms influence behavior, enforce norms, and regulate activities in everyday life.
Surveillance Capitalism:
Modern algorithms often operate behind the scenes to collect data and predict behavior, sometimes even manipulating choices for profit. This dynamic—where companies and governments gather data to refine their control—illustrates a shift towards what some call surveillance capitalism.
Nudging and Libertarian Paternalism:
Influential social scientists have studied how behavioral nudges can steer decisions subtly. Algorithms can be designed to “nudge” us—whether by recommending products, curating news feeds, or even influencing political opinions. This reflects a modern form of libertarian paternalism, where the systems around us make suggestions that we might not even notice.
The Inner Space Race:
A critical concern is that these algorithms often know more about us than we know about ourselves. They analyze patterns in our behavior to predict and even alter our actions. This creates what I call “inner space race”—a competition between individuals’ self-knowledge and the profiling power of algorithm-driven systems.
“Along with ubiquitous screens to capture our attention, come a Panopticon of cameras to capture our actions. Pared with rules that decide which scofflaws to prosecute, we may be entering an Algocracy: rule by algorithm. While The West’s “nudging” regulations, cameras issuing speeding tickets and setting rules for self-driving cars may seem modest, China’s social credit score system will take this much further.”
Resistance Movements:
Some groups and technologies push back against centralized algorithmic control:
Transparency and Accountability:
A growing movement calls for “algorithmic accountability”—the idea that the code which governs our lives should be transparent, subject to public scrutiny, and regulated to prevent abuses.
Rewriting the Social Contract:
Just as societies once renegotiated their rules through laws, norms, and traditions, Algocracy forces us to rethink the implicit agreements between citizens, governments, and corporations in the digital age.
Future Directions:
As technology evolves, so too must our strategies for ensuring that algorithms serve the public good. This includes exploring decentralized systems, advocating for ethical design, and cultivating a broader public understanding of how algorithms work.