DocumentedFacial Recognition Wrongful Identification / Algorithmic Discrimination2019 to 2021 (incidents); 2024-03 (settlement)United Kingdom

Uber Eats Facial Recognition Discrimination against Pa Edrissa Manjang

Manjang, a Black Uber Eats courier, was repeatedly blocked from working by the Real-Time ID Check system, which failed to match his selfies to his stored photo despite his unchanged appearance. Final failed check in 2021 triggered automatic deregistration. Worker Info Exchange obtained his submitted selfies via GDPR Subject Access Request and proved they were all clearly of him.

AI system:Uber Real-Time ID Check (using Microsoft Face API)

Impact

Microsoft Face API has documented higher error rates for darker-skinned faces. Funded by UK EHRC and App Drivers and Couriers Union.

Outcome

Uber settled March 2024 for undisclosed sum; Manjang reinstated. Uber did not publicly accept fault. First UK settlement of its kind.

Sources

  1. Source 1TechCrunchtechcrunch.com/2024/03/28/uber-eats-ai-bias-settlement/
  2. Source 2BBC via Oakwood Solicitorswww.oakwoodsolicitors.co.uk/news/driver-sues-uber-eats-as-racially-discriminatory-app-prevented-him-from-work/
  3. Source 3HR Magazinewww.hrmagazine.co.uk/content/news/uber-eats-driver-wins-payout-for-racially-biased-ai-checks

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