Overview
- A proposed class action filed in California argues Eightfold AI functions like a consumer reporting agency and should be governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
- The complaint alleges Eightfold built a vast dataset by scraping LinkedIn profiles and assigns applicants opaque 0–5 match scores that influence hiring decisions.
- Plaintiffs say applicants cannot view their scores or challenge errors, with lead plaintiff Erin Kistler reporting only 0.3% of thousands of applications led to follow-ups or interviews.
- The case is being handled by nonprofit firm Towards Justice, whose executive director David Seligman says existing laws should apply to AI-based hiring tools.
- Eightfold did not respond to a New York Times request for comment, and observers note the suit adds to wider legal scrutiny of automated employment screening.