EquiTech Project

EquiTech – Ensuring Fairness in Public Sector Algorithmic Decision-Making

Programme: European Commission – Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV-2023-EQUAL)
Duration: May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2026

International Conference on bias in algorithmic systems and its prevention "Code of Equality: Building Fair & Trustworthy AI"

We would like to thank all participants of the conference – both those who attended in person and those who joined online. Your active engagement and substantive contributions to the discussions helped ensure a focused and productive conference.

Conference photos and recordings

We have prepared a short highlight video from the conference days, and the photo gallery includes a visual overview of the event.
The recorded discussions are available for viewing in both Estonian and English.
You can find the conference info clips in both Estonian and English on the Equal Treatment Commissioner’s YouTube channel.

EquiTech trainings

If you would like to explore the topic in more depth, you can take the e-course“Preventing Risks Related to Algorithmic Bias in the Public Sector” on the Digital State Academy. The course takes about one hour to complete, and participants receive a certificate upon successful completion.

EquiTech Materials

All documents referenced and presented during the conference can be found below.

You can read more about AI bias HERE.

Guidelines for Preventing Algorithmic Bias:

Ai-system-bias-assessment-workbook.xlsx

xlsx, 224kb

Browse the bias worksheet in simplified form HERE.

Algorithmic_bias_risk_management_Guideline.pdf

pdf, 575kb

Algorithmic_bias_risk_management_Methodology.pdf

pdf, 402kb

Raports:

Legal_analysis_on_non-discrimination_regulation_and_regulatory_gaps_concerning_algorithmic_systems_in_estonia_and_lithuania.pdf

pdf, 1219kb

Report_on_auditing_discrimination_and_bias_within_estonian_public_sector_adm_systems.pdf

pdf, 734kb

In the conference working group "Designing with people – civil society and inclusive AI," the following documents were referenced:

101-million-reasons-to-build-better-ai-edf-infographic-accessible-online-version.pdf

pdf, 385kb

A disability-inclusive Artificial Intelligence Act: updated guide to monitor implementation in your country - European Disability Forum

Artificial Intelligence and Disability - EDF Update - European Disability Forum

Video: Jamie and the impact of Artificial Intelligence on persons with disabilities. - European Disability Forum

The documents referenced in the Conference discussion, "Governing AI for equality – what works?", are available here:

“European policy guidelines on AI and algorithm-driven discrimination for equality bodies and other national human rights structures”

“Legal protection against algorithmic discrimination in Europe: current frameworks and remaining gaps”

Campaign “Bear in mind and take action!”

The EquiTech awareness campaign “Bear in mind and take action!” draws attention to potential bias in automated decision-making systems and provides guidance on how individuals can challenge unfair decisions.

Project Objective:

Artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithm-based automated decision-making (ADM) systems are increasingly used in the public sector, where they can significantly impact individuals’ rights and obligations.

While these systems improve the efficiency of service delivery, they also present risks—such as hidden bias or discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, age, or other protected characteristics.

The aim of the EquiTech project is to strengthen the capacity of public sector institutions and their partners in Estonia and Lithuania to identify, prevent, and mitigate such risks—thereby promoting fairer and more inclusive digital governance.

Key Activities and Outcomes:

Mapping ADM systems currently used in the Estonian public sector and identifying potential discrimination risks.
Analysing whether existing legal frameworks and policy guidelines sufficiently address and prevent these risks.
Gathering input from public sector employees and representatives of vulnerable groups.
Developing a set of questions or criteria to assess whether AI and ADM systems may have negative impacts—such as discrimination, lack of transparency, or unfair treatment.
Producing guidance materials on how to use ADM and AI safely, fairly, and responsibly in the public sector.
Creating an interactive e-learning course for public sector employees and software developers.
Conducting practical training sessions for software developers in both Estonia and Lithuania.
Hosting an international conference in Tallinn and an academic workshop for researchers to exchange knowledge.

Project Partners:

Office of the Gender Equality and Equal Treatment Commissioner (Estonia)
Tallinn University of Technology (Estonia)
Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Digital Affairs (Estonia)
Office of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson (Lithuania)

Expected Impact:

The EquiTech project will help prevent discrimination arising from automated and AI-driven decision-making processes. It will enhance trust in the public sector, raise awareness among developers about fair digital governance, and support the implementation of the EU Equality Strategy in a rapidly evolving digital environment.