HireVue's AI Judged Job Candidates by Analyzing Their Facial 'Micro-Expressions' During Video Interviews

HireVue, an AI hiring platform used by Unilever, Hilton, and hundreds of other major companies, analyzed job applicants' video interviews by tracking facial expressions, eye movements, vocal tone, and word choice. The system scored candidates on traits like 'personal stability' and 'achievement drive' based on these signals. A 2019 investigation found the algorithm had virtually no scientific basis, could not be audited, and likely discriminated against candidates with atypical facial expressions — including those with disabilities. Under pressure from the Electronic Privacy Information Center and public backlash, HireVue eventually removed the facial analysis component in 2021. By then it had already processed millions of interviews.

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🦅EST. 2024 · PUBLIC RECORDDEPT. OF AI WEIRDNESS
U.S. Department of
Artificial Intelligence Weirdness
Report #81← All Incidents
HireVueAI HiringFacial AnalysisDiscriminationJob Interview

HireVue's AI Judged Job Candidates by Analyzing Their Facial 'Micro-Expressions' During Video Interviews

Filed by @hiring_fairness_watchTool: HireVue AI[original source ↗]
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HireVue, an AI hiring platform used by Unilever, Hilton, and hundreds of other major companies, analyzed job applicants' video interviews by tracking facial expressions, eye movements, vocal tone, and word choice. The system scored candidates on traits like 'personal stability' and 'achievement drive' based on these signals. A 2019 investigation found the algorithm had virtually no scientific basis, could not be audited, and likely discriminated against candidates with atypical facial expressions — including those with disabilities. Under pressure from the Electronic Privacy Information Center and public backlash, HireVue eventually removed the facial analysis component in 2021. By then it had already processed millions of interviews.

Weirdness Classification
8/10 — Significantly weird
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