April 30th2024, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) announced it that have published new landing page Focuses on the use of artificial intelligence by federal contractors. this landing page It contains following thatM's:
- guide About Artificial Intelligence and Equal Employment Opportunity for Federal Contractors
- Joint statement Enforcement of civil rights, fair competition, consumer protection, and equal opportunity laws in automated systems
AI and EEO Guide for Federal Contractors
one of the items inThis new landing page includes guides on artificial intelligence and equal employment opportunity (EEO) for federal contractors. This comprehensive guide includes several sections containing frequently asked questions about the use of AI and EEO. This section defines common terms such as “AI,” “algorithm,” and “automated system” and further discusses the applicability of current EEO legislation to the use of artificial intelligence. Additionally, the guide includes sections on practices that federal contractors should consider implementing, including the use of AI, the design and implementation of AI systems, the use of vendor-created AI systems, and notifications regarding accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities. It contains.
The definition provided by OFCCP in its Frequently Asked Questions section includes the following language:
- What is artificial intelligence, or AI?
As defined in 15 USC § 9401(3), AI is a machine that can make predictions, recommendations, or decisions that affect a real or virtual environment against a set of human-defined goals. It is a base system. AI systems use machine-based and human-based inputs to perceive real and virtual environments. We abstract such knowledge into models through analysis in an automated manner. Use model inference to formulate information or action options.
- What is an algorithm?
Generally, an “algorithm” is a set of instructions that a computer can follow to accomplish some goal. Human resources (HR) software and applications use algorithms to enable employers to process data and make evaluations, ratings, and other decisions about job applicants and employees. Software or applications containing algorithmic decision-making tools are used at various stages of employment, including hiring, performance evaluation, promotion, and termination.
- What are “automated systems” and AI in employment?
In the employment context, the term “automated systems” refers to software and algorithmic processes, including AI, that are used to automate workflows and assist people in completing tasks and making decisions. Refers broadly.of White House Blueprint for AI Bill of Rights Examples of automated systems include “workplace algorithms that inform all aspects of employment conditions, including but not limited to pay and promotion, hiring and firing algorithms, virtual reality or augmented reality workplace training programs, electronic workplace monitoring, etc.” Masu. management system. ” For example, automated systems can help human resources professionals at federal contractors sift through hundreds or thousands of resumes to identify applicants who meet the basic requirements of a job. Federal contractors can also use her AI to determine the criteria to use when making hiring decisions. For example, the previous example defines the parameters used to filter and review resumes.
New technologies are subject to current regulations
Similar to obligations in other employment processes, federal contractors must ensure that the use of AI in the decision-making process is non-discriminatory and that employees and applicants are free of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or must ensure that they are treated regardless. identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Despite AI’s ability to make efficient decisions in employment selection, the potential exists for AI to perpetuate bias, discriminate against protected groups, and act as a barrier to equal employment opportunity. Masu.
DCI will continue to evaluate these new resources and will provide a detailed analysis in the coming days.
