Meta rejects French ruling over gender bias in Facebook job ads
Meta has rejected a French regulator’s ruling that its Facebook job ad algorithm discriminates by gender, as women’s rights groups hail the decision as a landmark for accountability.
Meta has rejected a decision by France’s Défenseur des Droits that found its Facebook algorithm discriminates against users based on gender in job advertising. The case was brought by Global Witness and women’s rights groups Fondation des Femmes and Femmes Ingénieures, who argued that Meta’s ad system violates French anti-discrimination law.
The regulator ruled that Facebook’s system treats users differently according to gender when displaying job opportunities, amounting to indirect discrimination. It recommended Meta Ireland and Facebook France make adjustments within three months to prevent gender-based bias.
A Meta spokesperson said the company disagrees with the finding and is ‘assessing its options.’ The complainants welcomed the decision, saying it confirms that platforms are not exempt from laws prohibiting gender-based distinctions in recruitment advertising.
Lawyer Josephine Shefet, representing the groups, said the ruling marks a key precedent. ‘The decision sends a strong message to all digital platforms: they will be held accountable for such bias,’ she said.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!