The NYC AI bias law, called Local Law 144 of 2021, is an important move to tackle concerns about bias in algorithms used for job choices. As artificial intelligence (AI) is used more in hiring, such as reviewing resumes and evaluating candidates, there are growing concerns about unfair treatment. The NYC AI bias law seeks to reduce these risks and encourage better hiring practices in New York City.
Starting July 5, 2023, a new law requires employers and job agencies to check their automated hiring tools for bias before using them. The NYC AI bias law describes an AEDT as any system that helps or takes over decision-making for hiring, promotions, or firing in a big way. This meaning includes many AI tools, such as software that reviews resumes, holds video interviews, or assesses candidates’ personality traits.
The main requirement of the NYC AI bias law is that an independent bias audit must be conducted. An unbiased third party must carry out this audit to check the AEDT for bias related to important traits like race, ethnicity, and gender. The audit needs to find out the pick rate for each group and check if the tool unfairly helps or harms any specific demographic groups. The findings of this bias audit, which are available in a public summary, must be posted on the employer or job agency’s website.
The NYC AI bias law is an important change from the mostly unregulated use of AI in hiring. In the past, companies could use AI tools without much supervision, which might have continued unfair biases in their hires. The NYC AI bias law adds an important level of responsibility, calling for openness and a promise to be fair.
The NYC AI bias law has some difficulties. A major worry is how to actually carry out the bias audit requirement. It’s important to clearly define what the audit will cover, choose the right measures to evaluate, and ensure the inspector is unbiased. The NYC AI bias law doesn’t have clear rules about these points, which may make it harder to apply effectively.
The NYC AI bias law struggles to keep up with the fast changes in AI technology. As AI systems get more advanced, old ways of finding bias might not work well anymore. The NYC AI bias law needs to keep up with new developments so that the audit process can still effectively find and reduce bias in the latest AI models.
Another important factor is how the NYC AI bias law may affect smaller companies. Carrying out independent bias audits can be expensive, which might be especially hard for smaller companies with fewer resources. It’s important to address this issue to make sure everyone follows the NYC AI bias law and to avoid putting smaller businesses at a disadvantage in the job market.
Even with these difficulties, the NYC AI bias law is an important move towards creating and using AI in a responsible way. The NYC AI bias law requires audits for bias and encourages transparency to ensure job seekers have a fair chance. It aims to make sure that hiring choices depend on skills and not on unfair algorithms.
The NYC AI bias law could be a good example for other places dealing with the impact of AI in hiring. More towns and states are starting to see the importance of tackling algorithmic bias. The NYC AI bias law can provide helpful insights and lessons.
The success of the NYC AI bias law in the future will rely on a few key things: proper enforcement, regular assessment, and adjustments to keep up with changing technologies. It’s important for government officials, businesses, and AI developers to work together to address the challenges of fairness in algorithms. This teamwork will help make sure that the NYC AI bias law successfully promotes fair hiring practices.
The NYC AI bias law is an important step in the discussion about AI and bias. It shows that more people realise we need rules for AI systems to keep humans safe from unfair treatment. Although there are still problems to tackle, the NYC AI bias law encourages companies to ensure their AI hiring methods are fair. This helps create a fairer and more inclusive workplace in the future. The NYC AI bias law will have effects beyond New York City, affecting how AI rules are made and followed around the world.