Algorithm Legislation

What is happening? D.C.’s attorney general proposes to shield district residents from discriminatory and biased computer algorithm. This would make it illegal for businesses to use discriminatory algorithms in areas such as education, employment, housing, and with providing services like credit, health care, and insurance.

Why is this important? The policy goal of reducing sexism, racism and boas for ethnic background is gaining steam. Penalties include up to $10,000 for each violation of the guidelines.

How will this be important? This mirrors what’s happening in business right now. “Data & Trust Alliance, a group that includes major corporations, said more than a dozen companies would adopt safeguards to prevent bias with algorithms used for workforce decisions, around issues like recruiting and pay. That group includes General Motors, IBM, Mastercard, Walmart and Meta (the rebrand of Facebook), among other companies.”

Route Fifty | A Proposal to Block Companies From Using Biased Algorithms