Artificial Intelligence

What is Algorithmic Bias?

Quick answer

Systematic errors in an algorithm or AI model that produce unfair outcomes for certain people or groups.

Algorithmic Bias, explained

Algorithmic bias often comes from the data a model learns from. If historical data reflects unequal treatment, or under-represents some groups, the model can repeat or amplify those patterns. Bias can also come from how a problem is defined, which features are used, or how results are measured.

A frequently cited example is a hiring tool trained on past successful applicants. If most past hires came from one background, the tool may learn to rank similar candidates higher and screen others out unfairly. Detecting bias involves testing model performance across different groups, reviewing training data, and monitoring outcomes after deployment. Reducing it may require rebalancing data, changing model design, or keeping humans responsible for high-stakes decisions such as lending, hiring, and healthcare.

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