Federal Agencies Warn of the Dangers of AI in Hiring and HR
- Find information on the most common AI technologies.
- Learn about warnings from two federal agencies regarding the use of AI in hiring and HR.
- Find links to the full text of the EEOC’s and DOJ’s guidance regarding AI.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been heralded as a revolutionary technology for employers. Proponents say it can help organizations hire more efficiently, communicate better, and save time and money on arduous and error-prone tasks.
Indeed, all these benefits are in the offing under the right circumstances. However, according to two federal agencies in recently released guidance, there’s a major risk to using AI when hiring and managing employees: violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Fiducial has more information below.
Various technologies
Generally, AI refers to using computers to perform complex tasks typically thought to require human intelligence. Examples include image perception, voice recognition, decision-making, and problem-solving.
AI can take several forms. One is machine learning, which applies statistical techniques to improve machines’ performance of specific tasks over time with little or no programming or human intervention. Another is natural language processing. This uses algorithms to analyze unstructured human language in documents, emails, texts, instant messages, and conversations. And finally, we have robotic process automation, which automates time-consuming repetitive manual tasks that don’t require decision-making.
Agencies’ message re: the Dangers of AI
The two federal agencies warning employers about AI’s dangers in an HR context are the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
Each issued separate guidance addressing the same fundamental problem: using AI — most notably, machine learning and algorithm-based tools such as natural language processing — can inadvertently lead to discrimination against people with disabilities. The specific employment areas mentioned include:
- Hiring new employees,
- Monitoring job performance,
- Determining pay, and
- Establishing terms and conditions of employment.
The EEOC’s guidance, entitled “The Americans with Disabilities Act and the Use of Software, Algorithms, and Artificial Intelligence to Assess Job Applicants and Employees,” points to three of the most typical ways that the use of AI tools could lead to an ADA violation:
- An employer might fail to provide the reasonable and necessary accommodations for an applicant or employee to receive a fair and accurate rating from an AI-based algorithm.
- An AI tool could reject applicants with disabilities even if they’re capable of performing a given job with one or more reasonable accommodations.
- An employer might unknowingly implement an AI solution in a manner that violates the ADA’s restrictions on medical examinations and inquiries related to disabilities.
The DOJ’s guidance, entitled “Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, and Disability Discrimination in Hiring” mirrors the EEOC’s concerns. Upon release of the document, DOJ Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said the two agencies are “sounding the alarm” on employers’ “blind reliance” on AI tools that could make it harder for people with disabilities to find jobs and thrive in an employment setting. In addition, this advanced technology could ultimately result in an ADA violation.
Now’s the time
Has your organization been using AI in its hiring and performance management processes? Then now would be a good time to review that technology for potential flaws and risks. Keep the dangers in mind when choosing and implementing AI solutions as well. To read the full text of the EEOC’s guidance click here. And for the full text of the DOJ’s guidance, click here.
Have questions about your hiring processes? Call Fiducial at 1-866-FIDUCIAL or make an appointment at one of our office locations to discuss your situation.
Ready to book an appointment now? Click here. Know someone who might need our services? We love referrals!
For more small business COVID-19 resources, visit Fiducial’s Coronavirus Update Center to find information on SBA loans, tax updates, the Paycheck Protection Program, and paid sick and family leave.
