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Planned pattern

Nobody Owns the Automated Decision

The tool acts with authority while responsibility is passed around the room.

How it starts

Automation is introduced to reduce inconsistency, speed up triage or remove repetitive judgement.

How it drifts

The output gains authority. When it is wrong, each group can point to another part of the chain.

What to watch

Look for appeals, exceptions and edge cases where nobody can explain who is allowed to overturn the decision.

Questions worth asking

  • Who can say the automated decision is wrong?
  • Who explains it to the affected person?
  • What is the route to repair?

Comment carefully

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