CATrating

CATrating is a proposed metric used to evaluate the quality and trustworthiness of categorized content in information systems. The CAT acronym commonly stands for Correctness, Accessibility, and Transparency. The idea is to provide a standardized way to compare how well content labels or classifications meet criteria across these dimensions, though implementations vary across organizations.

Each category receives a score on a five-point scale (1 to 5) for each dimension, and many designs produce a single composite score by weighting the components. Typical criteria include the accuracy of labels (Correctness), ease of use and discoverability of labeled content (Accessibility), and disclosure of data sources, model methods, and limitations (Transparency).

Methodology involves evaluations that mix automated checks with human review, using sample-based auditing and inter-rater reliability checks. Processes may include calibration sessions, bias mitigation, and privacy safeguards. Some proposals allow adjustable weights to reflect user priorities or regulatory requirements, and ongoing re-evaluation is often recommended to account for changes in data or labeling practices.

Applications of CATrating are discussed for use in content moderation platforms, search and recommendations, and evaluation of machine-generated outputs. It can inform governance decisions, labeling workflows, and consumer-facing trust signals, potentially guiding improvements in labeling accuracy and transparency.

Status and limitations: CATrating is not a formal standard; it appears mainly in pilot programs and academic discussions. Critics cite subjectivity, resource demands, potential bias, and the risk of gaming score components. Widespread adoption would require consensus on definitions, procedures, and auditing practices.

See also: content rating; evaluation metric; quality assurance; transparency.