Predictive computer apps should be monitored - experts

Computer programmes that predict how people are likely to behave are increasingly being used by government departments. Immigration New Zealand was recently accused of racial profiling in its pilot programme which targetted overstayers. Similar predictive models have been proposed by the Ministry of Social Development to identify when children are most likely to be at risk. But Otago University academics say these statistical models raise ethical issues and they want to see some regulation around how they are used. Philosophy professor James Maclaurin discusses the issue with Susie Ferguson.