Protecting Citizens from Algorithmic Bias: New Civil Rights Offices in Federal Agencies.
This Act mandates federal agencies using AI and algorithms that impact citizens' lives (e.g., access to programs, economic opportunities) to establish dedicated Civil Rights Offices. The goal is to actively detect and eliminate bias and discrimination resulting from these systems, protecting citizens from unfair decisions based on protected characteristics like race, gender, or financial status. These offices must regularly report to Congress on risks and mitigation efforts.
Key points
Federal agencies utilizing algorithms that impact citizens must establish Offices of Civil Rights staffed with experts to combat algorithmic bias and discrimination.
Covered algorithms are those that could materially affect citizens' access to government programs, economic opportunities, or protected rights.
Protection covers a wide range of characteristics, including race, sex, disability, immigration status, age, income level, and genetic information.
A requirement is introduced for regular reporting to Congress on the state of algorithmic risk and actions taken to mitigate it.
Status:
Introduced
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