Clarifying “algorithm audits” and “algorithmic impact assessments.”

nd the use of algorithmic systems, in particular those that underscore the large tech platforms. In the UK, the Centre for Data Ethics & Innovation has even recognised a growing market opportunity for the UK to be at the forefront of ‘an AI audit market’, capitalising on increasing interest in audit as a mechanism for assessment, accountability and public trust and confidence.6However, through literature review and conversations with experts, we find the term ‘audit’ is used by different actors in different ways.We surmise that confusion about algorithm audits comes from the two relevant meanings of ‘audit’:1. Audit from the perspective of the computer science community, which proposes adopting the social science practice of an audit study and applying