How Algorithm Designers Relate Algorithmic Transparency and Opacity

Algorithm designers have to make decisions regarding which information to disclose and which information to withhold. Algorithmic transparency and the lack thereof is crucial to understanding the decision-making process of algorithms. This is particularly important for online labour platforms where algorithms play an integral role. This paper explores the ways in which the people who design the algorithms balance algorithmic transparency and opacity through the different stages of the algorithmic decision-making process; input, processing or transformation and output. It explores who ultimately makes these decisions, the designers, management or other stakeholders and the reasons why.