HiringBranch Audits AI Algorithms to Ensure Unbiased Soft Skills Assessments Under NYC Law

Unbiased Hiring Decisions with the HiringBranch Soft Skills AI™ Assessment MONTREAL—HiringBranch, a company pioneering AI-based assessments for measuring soft skills, has enlisted the services of BABL AI Inc., a renowned AI systems analyst firm, to audit its algorithms in compliance with New York City Local Law 144. This law is designed to regulate automated employment decision tools, ensuring they do not perpetuate biases, exclude qualified candidates, or heighten legal risks. HiringBranch is dedicated to proving the reliability and fairness of its AI to potential users. Soft skills, including communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities, are crucial for success in many roles, yet they can be challenging to assess accurately during the hiring process. Traditional methods often rely on subjective human judgments, which can introduce unconscious biases and result in unfair hiring practices. HiringBranch aims to address this issue through its innovative Soft Skills AI™ assessment, which uses advanced algorithms to evaluate candidates' soft skills objectively. The collaboration with BABL AI Inc. underscores HiringBranch's commitment to transparency and ethical practices. BABL will conduct a thorough review of HiringBranch's algorithms to identify any potential biases and recommend improvements where necessary. This audit will focus on ensuring that the assessment tool remains fair and unbiased for all applicants, regardless of their background. New York City Local Law 144, effective as of January 1, 2022, requires companies using automated employment decision tools to undergo regular audits. The law aims to combat systemic biases and discrimination by holding technology firms accountable for the performance and fairness of their AI systems. By complying with this legislation, HiringBranch not only protects itself from legal complications but also enhances its credibility and trustworthiness among clients and job seekers. According to HiringBranch's CEO, Sarah Johnson, "We're excited to work with BABL AI Inc. to ensure our AI is fair and reliable. This audit aligns with our mission to create a more just and inclusive hiring process, leveraging technology to eliminate barriers to opportunity." The audit process involves analyzing the data used to train the AI models, evaluating the decision-making processes, and assessing the outcomes to detect and correct any discriminatory patterns. BABL's expertise in AI systems will help HiringBranch refine its algorithms, making them even more effective and equitable. In addition to the audit, HiringBranch has implemented ongoing training and education programs for its team to foster a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding bias in AI. These initiatives aim to ensure that the company continues to develop and improve its tools in a way that promotes fairness and inclusivity. The impact of such a rigorous audit extends beyond mere compliance. It demonstrates HiringBranch's proactive approach toward ethical AI development and its dedication to setting industry standards. Companies that use HiringBranch's Soft Skills AI™ assessment can have confidence in the tool's ability to make hiring decisions based on merit rather than preconceived notions or hidden biases. For job seekers, this means a more transparent and unbiased evaluation process, increasing the likelihood that their true abilities are recognized and valued. The audit results will be made public, allowing candidates to see that the assessment tool they are using has been thoroughly vetted and is committed to fairness. In the rapidly evolving field of AI, regulatory measures like New York City Local Law 144 play a vital role in guiding responsible innovation. By partnering with BABL AI Inc. and adhering to this law, HiringBranch is taking significant steps toward creating a more equitable and efficient hiring landscape. As the use of AI continues to grow, such efforts will be crucial for building trust and ensuring that technology serves to advance societal goals rather than hinder them.