New York City’s legislature passed legislation requiring an annual bias check to ensure that employers use AI automated hiring tools for job seekers to avoid biased judgments based on race and gender. Tool manufacturers are said to be required to make the structure of AI tools more transparent and to allow job seekers to select screening processes other than AI tools, such as human screening.
The purpose of the bill is to reduce the likelihood of a candidate or hired employee being biased, and the New York City Chamber of Commerce, which is already hiring, has voted in favor of the measure, saying that disclosure is essential for employers, candidates and employees alike. .
However, there are some opinions that just because the law is enforced will not have the same effect. A non-profit organization (Center for Democracy & Technology) said the bill does not take into account biases such as ability or age, overlooking that audit requirements can be easily met, but other biases or difficult-to-detect biases are introduced. He expressed concern that it might make it difficult to find an employer.
In addition, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio has not yet signed the bill and will decide within the remaining one-month term. If signed, the law will go into effect in 2023. Related information can be found here.