An Uber Eats driver, Pa Edrissa Manjang, has received a settlement due to the “racially biased” facial-recognition technology that barred him from accessing the app, hindering his ability to work. Manjang, who started with Uber Eats in November 2019, initially faced no issues. However, the app, utilizing Microsoft’s technology, intensified its identity verification demands, leading to “continued mismatches” and, in 2021, his wrongful account termination.
Concerns Over Racial Discrimination
Uber has stated, “Our real-time ID check aims to enhance safety across our platform, incorporating extensive human review to prevent unjust impact on individuals’ livelihoods.” Despite these intentions, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and the App Drivers and Couriers Union (ADCU) backed Manjang’s case, raising alarms about the AI’s racial discrimination and depriving him of his earnings.
The Union’s Standpoint
The ADCU highlighted the excessive selfie requests as racial harassment, emphasizing the urgency of safeguarding workers’ rights amid rapid AI and machine learning advancements in workplaces. Mr Manjang’s settlement marks the closure of his challenging journey. It underlines AI’s potential pitfalls, particularly for the gig economy’s marginalized workers.
Highlighting AI’s Flaws
As Manjang, now reinstated, continues his work in Oxfordshire, he reflects on the case as a pivotal moment for addressing AI’s ramifications on workers, especially ethnic minorities. Baroness Falkner of the EHRC criticized the lack of transparency and the absence of a proper mechanism for workers to contest such deactivations.
Acknowledging Software Shortcomings
Microsoft has recognized its facial-recognition technology’s inferior performance with minority ethnic groups, an issue echoed in various sectors, including law enforcement and education. This case sheds light on the broader implications of AI’s ethnic bias, advocating for enhanced worker rights and protections against AI’s unchecked use.
This settlement addresses Manjang’s grievances and calls for a broader conversation on AI ethics and accountability, especially in safeguarding against racial biases in the increasingly digital gig economy.
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