In the bustling metropolis of New York, a pioneering law aimed at reducing bias in artificial intelligence (AI) recruiting tools has hit a stumbling block. The law, billed as an important step toward regulating the growing field of AI, requires employers to conduct bias audits on automated employment decision-making tools. However, a recent analysis reveals a harsh reality: only 18 employers out of 391 have signed up to this requirement, highlighting the challenge of applying the ethical use of AI in the business world.
The legal framework and its gaps
The heart of the problem lies in the narrow scope of the law, applying only to AI tools that lack human control. This limitation has resulted in low levels of compliance, raising questions about the effectiveness of the law in its current form. The backdrop to this scenario is a broader legal landscape in which various laws and executive orders, including one issued in October 2023, strive to navigate the complex terrain of AI regulation. These efforts highlight the urgent need for organizations to adopt an ethical AI governance framework, not only to comply with existing regulations, but also to ensure responsible use of AI technologies.
Legislative initiatives and AI education
Against this regulatory backdrop, Senators Gary Peters of Michigan and Eric Schmitt of Missouri have proposed legislation to improve AI education in the United States. Their bill would direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish formal protocols for AI training, a move seen as crucial to maintaining the country’s competitive edge in innovation in AI. This legislative effort coincides with a roundtable discussion led by State Senator Usha Reddi, during which the focus was on the impact of AI on the workforce and the development of relevant legislation. The dialogue, attended by representatives from the Kansas Department of Commerce and Agriculture, highlighted the transformative potential of AI and the need for skills such as “rapid engineering” in future employees.
Challenges and future directions
The roundtable also touched on the darker aspects of AI, such as its vulnerability to misinformation and the creation of “deep fakes.” These issues highlight the importance of retraining AI-displaced workers and introducing AI and coding education early on. The conversation culminated in a call for legislative action to prevent the misuse of AI, signaling a collective recognition of the opportunities and perils presented by AI technologies.
As New York City works to enforce its AI bias law, the broader narrative is unfolding across the United States, with lawmakers and stakeholders grappling with the ethical implications of AI. The situation in New York is a microcosm of the challenges faced nationally, pushing toward a future where AI is harnessed responsibly, with an unwavering commitment to equity and accountability.
