The DWP’s secret benefit probes algorithm: Foxglove, the GMCDP and more!

Speakers from the Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People, tech justice non-profit Foxglove, campaigners for privacy and dignity Privacy International, as well as a member of the legal team helping to bring the case against this discriminatory system will explain:

What we know about the DWP’s shadowy algorithm that is creating a “shadow penal system” for disabled people in the UK

The background of the horrific situation for disabled people who rely on benefits in Manchester and the rest of the UK – and how the algorithm fits into that history

The legal case that will challenge the secret algorithm, how it will work – in plain English – and how you can help.

Foxglove will also explain why vital public services being delivered by algorithms designed in secret – without input from the communities they affect – is a clear and present danger to all of us.

Please let us know your access needs, contact: info@foxglove.org.uk

The story so far:

The Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People, supported by Foxglove, have sent a legal letter to the Department for Work and Pensions demanding answers about how their algorithm is forcing disabled people into grueling and invasive benefit fraud investigations.

Very little is known about the algorithm and the DWP have refused to answer questions about how it works.

They have refused to explain:

• how people are targeted
• what information or data about people is used in those decisions
• how the government is ensuring the rights of disabled people are protected
• what checks and balances are in place to ensure that vulnerable people aren’t being unfairly and unlawfully harassed.

The details:

Sign up to attend. Tickets are first come first served. Details about how to join and submit a question (if you have one) will be circulated nearer the event.

You can find out more about the case here. And you can donate to the coalition’s crowdjustice page for court costs here.