AI Screening Tool under Scrutiny

The ACLU has asked the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to examine an artificial intelligence (AI)-based employment screening tool for “built-in bias against people with autism and other disabilities and also discriminate by race,” according to online sources. ACLU also has a similar claim pending with the EEOC. 

Without getting into detail, the ACLU claims that Aon’s tools as structured discriminate against people as noted above by using questions that mirror psychological tests used to diagnose those same disorders. Further, the ACLU claims that a cognitive test is based upon Aon’s own research and has a built-in bias against racial minorities. 

Aon disputes the charges. The agency investigation has yet to take place. 

The message is clear, however, employers must be very careful about any means they use to screen candidates, because the ultimate liability will come to rest upon employers.