Algorithms are subject to the bias of people that use them , according to Dr Cathy O’Neil . “Math Is Racist,” one asserts. The former Wall Street quant , who received a PhD in mathematics from Harvard , has written a book about how people discriminate expressing concern about mathematical models that rank or exclude individuals , institutions or places . In one chapter she describes how drivers in Florida with a clean driving record but poor credit scores are paid an average of $ 1,552 more than drivers with high - school credit and a drink - driving conviction .
Algorithms are subject to the bias of people that use them , according to Dr Cathy O’Neil . The former Wall Street quant , who received a PhD in mathematics from Harvard , has written a book about how people discriminate expressing concern about mathematical models that rank or exclude individuals , institutions or places . In one chapter she describes how drivers in Florida with a clean driving record but poor credit scores are paid an average of $ 1,552 more than drivers with high - school credit and a drink - driving conviction .