Artificial intelligence took the employment world by storm in 2023, quickly becoming one of the most talked about and debated subjects among corporate counsel across the country. Companies will continue to use AI as a resource to enhance decision-making processes for the foreseeable future as these technologies evolve and take shape in a myriad of employment functions. As these processes are fine-tuned, those who seek to harness the power of AI must be aware of the risks associated with its use. This featured article analyzes two novel AI lawsuits and highlights recent governmental guidance related to AI use. As the impact of AI is still developing, companies should recognize the types of claims apt to be brought for use of AI screening tools in the employment context and the implications of possible discriminatory conduct stemming from these tools. Read the full featured article here.
Discrimination Suits Rise with AI Recruiting Software
In Mobley v. Workday, Inc., Case No. 23-CV-770 (N.D. Cal. Jan 19, 2024) (ECF No. 45), Judge Rita F. Lin of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California dismissed a lawsuit against Workday involving allegations that algorithm-based applicant screening tools discriminated applicants on the basis of race, age, and disability. With businesses more frequently relying on artificial intelligence to perform recruiting and hiring functions, this ruling is helpful for companies facing algorithm-based discrimination lawsuits in terms of potential strategies to attack such claims at the pleading stage.
Read more on the Duane Morris Class Action Defense Blog.
Webinar: Benefits, Risks and Mitigation Strategies for AI Use
Duane Morris is hosting the webinar Get Smart with AI: Best Practices for Using AI in Business on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Eastern.
EEOC Settles AI Software Lawsuit
In Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. ITutorGroup, Inc., et al., No. 1:22-CV-2565 (E.D.N.Y. Aug. 9, 2023), the EEOC and a tutoring company filed a Joint Settlement Agreement and Consent Decree in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, memorializing a $365,000 settlement for claims involving hiring software that automatically rejected applicants based on their age. This is first EEOC settlement involving artificial intelligence (“AI”) software bias.
EEOC Guidance Discusses AI Impact in the Workplace
On July 26, 2023, the EEOC issued a new Guidance entitled “Visual Disabilities in the Workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act” (the “Guidance”). This document is an excellent resource for employers, and provides insight into how to handle situations that may arise with job applicants and employees that have visual disabilities. Notably, for employers that use algorithms or artificial intelligence (“AI”) as a decision-making tool, the Guidance makes clear that employers have an obligation to make reasonable accommodations for applicants or employees with visual disabilities who request them in connection with these technologies.
Read more on the Class Action Defense Blog.