EEOC Announces Initiative on AI and Algorithmic Fairness

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is launching an initiative to ensure that Artificial Intelligence used in employment decisions complies with federal civil rights laws. In a statement, EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows explained that algorithmic decision-making tools “may mask and perpetuate bias or create new discriminatory barriers to jobs” and that the EEOC “must work to ensure that these new technologies do not become a high-tech pathway to discrimination.” The initiative will examine how AI changes the way employment decisions are made and will offer guidance to employees, employers, and technology vendors to ensure that any use of AI in employment settings is consistent with federal employment laws. EPIC has advocated for the regulation of AI hiring tools and filed a complaint with the FTC alleging that HireVue, a recruiting company, engaged in unfair and deceptive practices through its use of opaque AI and of facial recognition technology. HireVue abandoned its reliance on facial recognition technology after EPIC’s complaint. EPIC also advocates for transparent, equitable, and commonsense AI policy and regulations.