Interview with Moira Daviet
Algorithmic discrimination in the world of work
The use of AI tools in hiring can have discriminatory effects. The FINDHR Horizon Europe project looks at how this type of discrimination can be tackled.
Unfortunately, the workplace is and has often been characterised by discrimination: The use of AI in recruitment can create new barriers to the labour market or exacerbate old ones. However, there are methods and frameworks that can be used to counteract this type of discrimination. This is what the Horizon Europe project FINDHR is exploring. Our researcher Moira Daviet talks about her work at FINDHR and about the project itself.
Moira, who are you and what do you do at AlgorithmWatch CH?
I studied journalism and then worked as a production manager for different documentary formats. At AlgorithmWatch CH, I work as a researcher and focus on algorithmic discrimination in hiring. I find it exciting to explore this topic in such depth here.
How does AlgorithmWatch draw attention to algorithmic discrimination?
Firstly, through policy and advocacy work and journalistic research. But AlgorithmWatch CH is also a member of the European research project FINDHR (Fairness and Intersectional Non-Discrimination in Human Recommendation), funded by Horizon Europe. We develop methods, algorithms and trainings to mitigate algorithmic discrimination in hiring. We are trying to reduce different forms of discrimination, including of course gender discrimination, which is unfortunately still very widespread in the workplace.
How can discrimination in algorithmic hiring be prevented?
Awareness has to be raised that algorithmic systems do not make more ‘objective’ recruitment decisions than humans. On the contrary, it has been shown that AI-based staff selection systems can reinforce existing discriminatory patterns or even create new barriers. Once AI systems are in use, they must be regularly monitored to avoid discriminatory outcomes. In addition, a strong legal framework must ensure that the industry is obliged to implement certain measures.
What's next for FINDHR?
The FINDHR project will will end by October 2025, so we are in the middle of the final sprint. The results, reports and tools are being finalised and fine-tuned and prepared in such a way that they will hopefully reach our target groups and also be implemented into practice. At AlgorithmWatch CH are working on toolkits that summarise the most important results in a concise and accessible way. We are also organising webinars and in-depth courses. For example, a masterclass on the topic of “AI in recruiting”. It is free of charge and open to anyone who would like to learn more about algorithmic discrimination in hiring. Click here to register.
