While rent-fixing algorithmic programs has been a hot (& seemingly novel) topic in Portland City Hall this year, the city has quietly been relying on algorithmic software to set water rates since last year. It could save ppl money, but the privacy risks are hazy. @katekaye.bsky.social digs in:
VERY interesting. To the extent that an appropriate discount can be spread to a wider range of vulnerable ratepayers, it could be great. To the extent it is a way to extract some money from vulnerable ratepayers who might otherwise be unable to pay at all, I don't know that it's (ethically) worth it