Scientists have different ideas of how to prevent that Traditional computer algorithms tend to show bias in favor of men when they use entrance exam scores to predict a student’s college grades.

When the algorithm makes a mistake, "then who's responsible, and who do we sue?" he asks. "That medical-legal aspect has to be solved first." Lehman sees other challenges.

A recipe for brownies is an algorithm. So is the list of turns to make to drive to your friend’s party. A computer algorithm is no different, except that it’s written in code instead of words.