Algorithms

Lawsuit Targets NIH: Allegations of Gender Bias in Search Engine Algorithms

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Washington, D.C. – The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is currently facing legal challenges regarding claims that its internal search engine displays biases against female researchers. This lawsuit marks a significant moment in ongoing discussions about gender bias in science and technology fields. The legal action, initiated by three women with strong pedigrees in the biomedical field, alleges that NIH’s search algorithms favor male researchers over their female counterparts by ranking male-driven content higher. This alleged bias, the plaintiffs argue, potentially affects decisions related to research funding and the professional visibility of female scientists. With … Read more

Justice Department Targets RealPage Inc. in Lawsuit, Alleging Rent Price-Fixing Scheme Using Advanced Algorithms

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WASHINGTON — The U.S. Justice Department has launched a significant legal battle against RealPage Inc., a prominent real estate software firm, for allegedly manipulating rental market prices through its pricing algorithm. In a concerted effort with multiple state attorneys general from regions including North Carolina and California, the federal agency has charged the company with breaching antitrust laws, potentially leading to unjustifiably high rents for millions of Americans. According to the lawsuit, RealPage’s platform enables landlords nationwide to synchronize their rental pricing strategies, diminishing the competitive practices that typically help keep housing costs in check. … Read more