NEW YORK ― Artificial intelligence software is making its way into the world of human resources, whether it’s to evaluate job candidates or to sort through resumes.
But these tools are far from being universally welcomed, especially in New York, where a new law aims to regulate their use.
This legislation, known as Local Law 144, will require human resources managers to pre-test hiring tools that incorporate artificial intelligence before using them on job applicants.
It also defines the circumstances under which companies will be required to inform job applicants that they are using such software in their recruitment procedures.
However, critics of the law say its scope is too narrow to regulate most software that incorporates AI.
An earlier version of the legislation stated that companies must verify that their predictive recruiting tools do not replicate any unwarranted bias, according to the online magazine Fast Company.
The move was intended to prevent New York companies from suffering the same setback that Amazon faced in 2018.
At the time, the tech giant had to stop using an automated application sorting tool because it systematically discriminated against women.
