A study reveals that AI-powered recruitment tools can be biased against individuals from marginalized groups. The use of these tools raises concerns about discrimination in the workplace.
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| AI-powered recruitment tools are facing backlash for their discriminatory biases against certain groups. Experts call for stricter regulations and oversight to ensure fair hiring practices. Symbolic image |
Ankara, Turkiye - October 11, 2024:
Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized many industries, including recruitment. However, its use in filtering job applicants has raised significant concerns about discrimination. According to Yeliz Bozkurt Gumrukcuoglu, a professor of private law at Ibn Haldun University, AI algorithms can inadvertently discriminate against individuals based on their race, gender, language, and religion.
The issue stems from the data used to train these AI systems. If the data contains biases, the algorithm will likely perpetuate those biases. For example, if an AI system is trained on data from a predominantly male workforce, it may inadvertently favor male candidates over female ones. Additionally, the developers of these systems may also introduce biases, either intentionally or unintentionally.
Gumrukcuoglu highlights several high-profile cases where AI-powered recruitment tools have led to discrimination. Amazon's algorithm, trained on data from previous hires who were mostly male, discriminated against female candidates. Facebook was also found to have used discriminatory filtering algorithms that targeted certain groups.
The potential for AI-powered discrimination is not limited to gender and race. Gumrukcuoglu notes that candidates have been rejected for having traditionally Black hairstyles, living in areas with high immigrant populations, or listening to certain types of music. These examples demonstrate how AI can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and biases.
To address this issue, Gumrukcuoglu argues that developers and companies using AI recruitment tools must comply with human rights and ethical principles. Governments and regulatory bodies should also play a role in monitoring the use of AI and ensuring that it is not used to discriminate.
The European Union has taken steps to regulate the use of AI in this area, and there is a growing call for a global regulator to prevent discrimination. As AI continues to advance, it is crucial to ensure that its benefits are not overshadowed by its potential for harm.