Discrimination, Fairness and AI: The Issue of Bias

Consider the following hypothetical: Jane has recently applied for a job as a software engineer at Tech Co. Jane’s application was rejected. Unbeknownst to Jane, Tech Co uses a machine learning system to automate their hiring process. The AI system chose the other applicants, all less experienced and also all male, over Jane. 

Has the AI system discriminated against Jane under anti-discrimination law? 

This blog post explores how Australia’s current anti-discrimination law framework applies to discrimination perpetrated by an AI system. It also provides practical solutions to reduce the chance of your AI model discriminating.