What did the Belgian study reveal about AI in recruitment?

The study found that gender bias in AI-assisted recruitment is often underestimated, with AI potentially perpetuating stereotypes and worsening inequalities.

How many Belgian recruiters use AI in hiring?

Approximately three out of four recruiters in Belgium use AI at some stage of the hiring process.

What legal protections does Belgium need for AI tools?

The Institute for the Equality of Women and Men has warned that Belgium needs stronger legal protections for AI tools, as only one in five organizations have policies matching current AI laws.

Home / Technology / Belgian Study Flags AI's Hidden Gender Bias

Belgian Study Flags AI's Hidden Gender Bias

4 Feb

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Summary

Most Belgian recruiters use AI in hiring, but few see bias.
AI can perpetuate stereotypes, worsening inequality.
Belgium needs stronger legal protections for AI tools.

Belgian Study Flags AI's Hidden Gender Bias

A new study conducted in Belgium indicates that gender bias within AI-powered recruitment tools is frequently underestimated by employers.

The research, a collaboration between the Institute for the Equality of Women and Men and two universities, surveyed over 400 recruitment professionals. It found that approximately three out of four organizations now utilize AI in some capacity during hiring processes, such as screening applications.

Despite a common perception among recruiters that AI is fairer than human judgment, the study revealed its potential to replicate societal stereotypes and foster discrimination. Only about 12-17% of recruiters reported observing biased outcomes from AI, with most noting issues related to social media algorithms, age, and ethnicity rather than gender.