HireVue Settles FTC Investigation Over AI Hiring Algorithm After Disability and Bias Concerns
Incident Details
Summary
HireVue's AI-powered video interview tool, used by over 700 employers including Delta, Hilton, and Nike, analyzed facial expressions, vocal tone, and word choice from job interview videos to score candidates. Critics including the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) filed an FTC complaint in 2019, arguing the system discriminated against people with disabilities (non-standard facial expressions, speech patterns) and perpetuated racial and gender bias. Following FTC scrutiny, HireVue discontinued facial expression analysis in January 2021. The FTC issued a report in 2023 warning that AI hiring tools risk automating discrimination. The case illustrated how algorithmic employment tools can embed bias while evading traditional employment discrimination law.
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