Assessing Indigenous Sovereignty in Operationalized Algorithmic Systems.

The increasing integration of artificial intelligence and algorithmic systems within New Zealand's public sector for decision-making and support presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly in relation to indigenous rights and Māori sovereignty. Many algorithmic systems currently deployed in the public sector use Māori data, and as these technologies are increasingly employed, the need for relevant frameworks that uphold Māori sovereignty are essential. Current algorithm development and use in the public sector risk reinforcing existing inequities through algorithmic bias, unless culturally appropriate guidelines and standards are implemented. Without these safeguards, these tools may perpetuate biased outcomes that further marginalize and harm Māori communities and environments.

To mitigate these risks, New Zealand must adopt a co-governance model that allows for meaningful Māori participation at every stage of algorithm system design, implementation, and governance. Māori algorithmic sovereignty refers to the control over Māori data and algorithmic systems that use Māori data, ensuring that their values, rights, and decision-making autonomy are respected. This framework was developed for the purposes of assessing currently deployed operational algorithms in the New Zealand public sector from a Māori perspective, and to provide an indigenous perspective for embedding indigenous thought and practice in the development of new algorithms. It embeds tikanga Māori (Māori customs and principles) within governance, ensuring the development of algorithmic systems that reflect indigenous voices and values. This approach upholds Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) obligations and promote a more equitable and just use of algorithms in public services.

We present the Māori algorithmic sovereignty framework and the ideas and practices it advocates for. We also provide some insights and results of the framework as an assessment tool for some government operational algorithms currently deployed and used in New Zealand.