Request Bias Audit Reports for Automated Decisions in Brooklyn
Introduction
Brooklyn, New York residents and advocates can request bias audit reports and related records when city agencies use automated decision systems (ADS) that affect housing, benefits, licensing, parking, or enforcement. This guide explains how to identify relevant systems, submit an Open Records request, what to expect from agencies, and practical next steps under New York City transparency practices. It focuses on procedural steps, common barriers, and remedies available to people who believe an ADS has produced biased or discriminatory outcomes.
What is a bias audit report and when to request one
A bias audit report typically documents testing for disparate impacts, dataset characteristics, model validation, and mitigation measures for an automated decision system. Request a report when an ADS is used to make determinations about individual rights, benefits, public safety, or licensing. Start by identifying the agency that operates or procures the ADS and the public-facing name of the system.
- Identify the agency and system name; check agency ADS inventories or public notices.
- Ask for reports, documentation, model descriptions, training data summaries, and impact assessments.
- Use agency contact or Open Records portals to submit requests and ask about exemptions or redactions.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement for failures to publish ADS information or respond to transparency requests is handled through agency administrative processes, the city Open Records process, and — where applicable — judicial review under state freedom of information laws. Specific fines or administrative penalties for failing to produce bias audit reports are not specified on the cited page; agencies typically rely on disclosure obligations and oversight rather than fixed statutory fines for this disclosure duty.
- Enforcer: the city agency that operates the ADS and the Mayor's Office or designated ADS oversight body may coordinate compliance and oversight.
- Appeals/review: refusal to disclose records may be appealed through the city Open Records process and, if needed, by judicial petition under state open-records law; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
- Monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: orders to disclose, supervisory directives, policy changes, or contract remedies may apply; specific remedies are not specified on the cited page.
Applications & Forms
To request bias audit reports, submit an Open Records request through the NYC Open Records portal or the agency's designated public records request process. Where an agency publishes an ADS inventory or impact assessment, the published entry often indicates the document custodian and how to request supporting documents. The primary public request channel for city records is the NYC Open Records portal a860-openrecords.nyc.gov[1].
- Name of form: NYC Open Records request form (online portal).
- Deadlines: specific agency response timeframes or statutory deadlines are not specified on the cited page; follow portal guidance and agency instructions.
- Fees: many records requests are free; fees for large data requests may apply per agency policy and are not specified on the cited page.
How to prepare a clear request
Be precise: include the agency name, system name (if known), date ranges, and the types of documents you seek (bias audits, validation reports, datasets summaries, vendor contracts, and impact assessments). Offer to accept redacted versions if full records are withheld for legitimate confidentiality reasons.
- Specify exact records needed (e.g., "bias audit report for [system name] covering 2022-2024").
- Request any published impact assessments or ADS inventory entries first to narrow scope.
- Provide contact details and preferred response format (PDF, CSV, etc.).
Common violations and typical outcomes
- Failure to publish ADS inventory entries — typical remedy: agency updates inventory or provides records on request.
- Refusal to disclose bias reports — typical remedy: internal appeal via Open Records, followed by judicial review if necessary.
- Undisclosed vendor contracts or model details — typical outcome: partial redaction or negotiated disclosure under contract terms.
Action steps
- Step 1: Identify the ADS and responsible agency using published inventories or procurement pages.
- Step 2: File a request at the NYC Open Records portal and name the documents clearly.
- Step 3: If denied, follow the agency's appeal process and consider judicial review under state open-records law.
FAQ
- Who can request a bias audit report?
- Any member of the public may request records about automated decision systems operated by city agencies through the NYC Open Records portal or the agency's records office.
- How long will an agency take to respond?
- Response timeframes vary by agency; consult the Open Records portal and agency guidance for specific deadlines.
- What if the agency claims the report is confidential?
- You can request a redacted version and pursue an administrative appeal or judicial review if the agency withholds documents.
How-To
- Identify the agency and the automated decision system name using agency ADS inventories or procurement notices.
- Prepare a specific Open Records request describing the report, date range, and document types you seek.
- Submit the request via the NYC Open Records portal or the agency's public records contact, and retain a copy of your submission.
- If the request is denied, file an internal appeal and, if needed, pursue judicial review under state open-records law.
Key Takeaways
- Use the NYC Open Records portal to request bias audit reports and related records.
- Be specific about system names, date ranges, and document types to speed processing.
- If denied, use appeal routes and consider legal review.
Help and Support / Resources
- NYC Open Records portal
- NYC Department of Information Technology & Telecommunications (DoITT)
- NYC Automated Decision Systems Task Force