Job Seekers File Lawsuit Against Company for AI Résumé Scanning
Job seekers are facing significant challenges in the hiring process, prompting a lawsuit against the AI screening company, Eightfold AI. This legal action addresses concerns over the transparency and fairness of AI-powered résumé scanning methods.
Class Action Lawsuit Filed by Job Seekers
A group of frustrated job applicants has initiated a lawsuit against Eightfold AI, an employment screening technology firm. They claim that the company’s AI résumé scanning should be regulated under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which governs the handling of consumer credit information.
Allegations Against Eightfold AI
- The lawsuit asserts that Eightfold uses an extensive data set comprised of over 1 billion profiles.
- These profiles include 1 million job titles and 1 million skills sourced from platforms like LinkedIn.
- The plaintiffs argue that this data influences the scoring of job applications.
According to the complaint, Eightfold’s scoring mechanism resembles that of credit scores, producing a rating between one and five based on applicants’ qualifications and the preferences of hiring managers. However, the lack of transparency is alarming; applicants cannot see how their scores are derived.
The “Black Box” Challenge
The term “black box” describes the obscured processes of AI systems, where users only view results without insight into the decision-making methods. This lack of clarity raises concerns about accountability, especially if the AI system generates inaccurate data.
Furthermore, there are questions regarding data retention and the handling of applicants’ personal information. Without any access to their data, job seekers are left in the dark about what information is being collected and how it is utilized.
Voices from the Plaintiffs
Erin Kistler, a plaintiff with extensive experience in computer science, expressed her frustration, stating, “I deserve to know what’s being collected about me and shared with employers.” Kistler reported that among the thousands of applications she submitted, a mere 0.3% progressed to interviews.
Implications for the Job Market
The job market’s current state, heavily influenced by AI hiring technologies, appears increasingly disheartening for many. The plaintiffs’ quest for justice through this lawsuit could lead to crucial changes in AI hiring policies.
The outcome of this lawsuit may determine how AI technologies operate in recruitment and could potentially improve the experiences of countless job seekers. As of now, Eightfold AI has not commented on the situation.
