Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) introduced the “Artificial Intelligence (AI) Civil Rights Act” (S.5152) in the U.S. Senate on September 24. The legislation would put strict guardrails on companies’ use of algorithms, ensure algorithms are tested before and after deployment, help eliminate and prevent bias, and ensure accuracy and fairness in the use of complex algorithms.
The NLIHC-endorsed bill would prohibit certain uses of artificial intelligence – including algorithms – if they negatively impacted the conditions, access, eligibility, cost or terms of housing, utilities, healthcare, employment, education, financial services, insurance, criminal justice, legal services, elections, government benefits, or public accommodations. The provisions of the bill could be relevant to housing in cases when algorithms are used for tenant screening, setting rent prices, or other related activities.
“Complex algorithms have a darker side as well – one that has real consequences for everyday people, especially marginalized communities,” said Senator Markey. “I am introducing the “Artificial Intelligence Civil Rights Act” to ensure that the AI Age does not replicate and supercharge the bias and discrimination already prevalent in society today.”
Read Senator Markey’s press release and see a full list of endorsers at: https://tinyurl.com/2arpuacv
Read the full bill text at: https://tinyurl.com/hy5xtjjb