Privacy group files complaint against proctoring companies over AI surveillance
The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) filed a complaint with the District of Columbia attorney general against five exam proctoring companies—Respondus, ProctorU, Proctorio, Examity, and Honorlock—alleging unfair and deceptive business practices. The companies are accused of using opaque AI algorithms to flag cheating and collecting excessive biometric data from students. Students have reported that the facial recognition software fails to detect dark skin tones, preventing them from taking exams. EPIC has also sent demand letters threatening civil suits if the companies do not stop their practices.
- Company involved
- Proctorio, Respondus, ProctorU, Examity, Honorlock
10 source articles · read the reporting →
Dutch Tax Authority discriminated against dual nationality applicants for child care benefits using automated risk system.
The Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) found that the Benefits Department of the Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst) unlawfully processed the dual nationality of 1.4 million applicants for child care benefits. The data was used as an indicator in an automated risk-scoring system that flagged applications as high-risk, which was unnecessary and discriminatory. The AP concluded that the processing violated the GDPR and was discriminatory. The AP completed its fact-finding and will consider imposing a sanction.
- Company involved
- Belastingdienst
10 source articles · read the reporting →
Trump administration accused of using ChatGPT to set tariff formula
The Trump administration imposed new tariffs on imports from all trading partners using a formula that critics allege was derived from ChatGPT. Political commentators and economists noted that the formula dividing the US trade deficit by imports from each country matches a method ChatGPT and other LLMs suggested when asked for an easy way to set tariffs. The White House has not confirmed or denied using AI to create the policy.
- Company involved
- White House
- AI system involved
- ChatGPT
9 source articles · read the reporting →
Telangana algorithm denied food to thousands of poor families
The Telangana government's algorithmic system Samagra Vedika wrongfully denied subsidised food to thousands of poor families by incorrectly tagging them as ineligible. The system, developed by Posidex Technologies, misidentified individuals across databases, leading to false positives. Affected families, including 67-year-old widow Bismillah Bee, were forced to prove their eligibility, often unsuccessfully. A Supreme Court case ordered re-verification, but many remain excluded.
- Company involved
- Government of Telangana
- AI system involved
- Samagra Vedika
8 source articles · read the reporting →
DOJ examines Allegheny County child welfare AI screening tool for disability bias
The Justice Department is scrutinizing the Allegheny Family Screening Tool, an AI system used by Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, to assess risk for families reported for child welfare concerns. A father with an intellectual disability, represented by attorney Robin Frank, filed a complaint alleging the algorithm discriminates against families with disabilities by using disability-related data points. The county denies awareness of concerns and says the tool helps predict risk, but critics argue it hardens bias. The DOJ's Civil Rights Division is investigating.
- Company involved
- Allegheny County Department of Human Services
- AI system involved
- Allegheny Family Screening Tool
5 source articles · read the reporting →
UK government's Spotlight algorithm denies funding to independent cinemas
The UK government's Culture Recovery Fund used an automated due diligence tool called Spotlight, designed by the Cabinet Office, to process grant applications. The algorithm is accused of excluding smaller, community-focused independent cinemas and arts organizations in favour of larger institutions, a practice the article describes as automated cultural elitism. The National Audit Office has confirmed the criteria, and Arts Council England is investigating cases of potential fraud, while many venues report struggling to survive.
- Company involved
- UK Government Cabinet Office
- AI system involved
- Spotlight
6 source articles · read the reporting →
Dialpad class action claims AI tech company illegally ‘taps’ T-Mobile customer service calls - Top Class Actions
The system intercepted and recorded telephone conversations of T-Mobile customers calling customer service without their consent.
- Company involved
- Dialpad Inc.
- AI system involved
- Dialpad conversation intelligence platform, DialpadGPT
1 source article · read the reporting →
Talkdesk Hit With Class Suit Over Customer Service Software - news.bloomberglaw.com
The system secretly recorded and analyzed customer service conversations of callers to Patagonia and Zumiez without consent.
- Company involved
- Talkdesk Inc.
- AI system involved
- CX Cloud
1 source article · read the reporting →
