U.S. Lawmaker Proposes "AI Civil Rights Act" to Fight Algorithmic Bias

U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley has reintroduced a bill called the "AI Civil Rights Act." Its goal is to stop companies from using artificial intelligence (AI) that discriminates against people. The legislation specifically aims to protect Black, Brown, and other marginalized communities. Pressley and fellow Democrats argue these groups are often harmed by biased AI algorithms. These algorithms are sets of computer rules used to make automated decisions. They can affect hiring, housing, banking, and government services. If the algorithms are trained on biased data, they can replicate and worsen existing inequalities. The proposed act would create new federal protections. It would require companies to prove their AI systems do not cause discrimination. It also seeks to increase transparency around how these automated systems are used.