‘This is a matter of life and death for efficiency’: the implications of datafication within public services for epistemic (in)justice

Abstract

This paper discusses institutional epistemic injustice by addressing the structural conditions in digital environments that can create unfair situations for some people. We examine implementing data-driven algorithmic systems for public services by analysing its impacts on users from the perspective of epistemic (in)justice. Epistemic injustice occurs when an individual or group is treated unfairly in their ‘capacity as a knower’. Based on thematic semi-structured interviews with experts and policymakers in Finland, we examine the collision between job seekers’ interests and the political and economic pressures influencing public service development, resulting in solutions that are not beneficial to all citizens and residents. Focusing on three digital civil rights—accessibility, transparency and inclusion—we argue that datafication in the design of online services has several negative consequences that may increase users’ epistemic vulnerability. We conclude that datafied employment self-services are not the result of a technological breakthrough or an ideal solution for job seeker needs but a compromise resulting from the political, administrative, economic, legislative and technical factors underlying the design process. This digital reform offers new administrative tools for enhancing efficiency, cutting costs, replacing human discretion with automation and increasing surveillance of citizens and public authorities.