Machine-learning algorithms need transparency to comply with GDPR

The European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which will come into force on May 25, 2018, redefines how organizations are required to handle the collection and use of EU citizens' personal data. Debates around the GDPR focus mostly on the global reach of this legislation, the draconian fines it introduces, or its stricter rules for "informed consent" as a condition for processing personal data. However, one challenge the GDPR brings to companies is often overlooked: the citizens' right to explanation. Legal details aside, the GDPR mandates that citizens are entitled to be given sufficient information about the automated systems used for processing their personal data in order to be able to make an informed decision as to whether to opt out from such data processing. The right to explanation has long been overlooked.