Matthew O'Shaughnessy

Alec Helbling, Christopher John Rozell, Matthew O'Shaughnessy et al.

Isolating and controlling specific features in the outputs of generative models in a user-friendly way is a difficult and open-ended problem. We develop techniques that allow an oracle user to generate an image they are envisioning in their head by answering a sequence of relative queries of the form \textit{"do you prefer image $a$ or image $b$?"} Our framework consists of a Conditional VAE that uses the collected relative queries to partition the latent space into preference-relevant features and non-preference-relevant features. We then use the user's responses to relative queries to determine the preference-relevant features that correspond to their envisioned output image. Additionally, we develop techniques for modeling the uncertainty in images' predicted preference-relevant features, allowing our framework to generalize to scenarios in which the relative query training set contains noise.

Matthew O'Shaughnessy

The notion that algorithmic systems should be "transparent" and "explainable" is common in the many statements of consensus principles developed by governments, companies, and advocacy organizations. But what exactly do policy and legal actors want from these technical concepts, and how do their desiderata compare with the explainability techniques developed in the machine learning literature? In hopes of better connecting the policy and technical communities, we provide case studies illustrating five ways in which algorithmic transparency and explainability have been used in policy settings: specific requirements for explanations; in nonbinding guidelines for internal governance of algorithms; in regulations applicable to highly regulated settings; in guidelines meant to increase the utility of legal liability for algorithms; and broad requirements for model and data transparency. The case studies span a spectrum from precise requirements for specific types of explanations to nonspecific requirements focused on broader notions of transparency, illustrating the diverse needs, constraints, and capacities of various policy actors and contexts. Drawing on these case studies, we discuss promising ways in which transparency and explanation could be used in policy, as well as common factors limiting policymakers' use of algorithmic explainability. We conclude with recommendations for researchers and policymakers.