AI ethics and legal issues in housing rental platforms

Overview You have now seen several examples of AI usage, some of which present problems. The following scenario is yet another example of problematic AI, this time with potential legal ramifications. Take a look at this example of AI that presents a legal issue for the business using AI. After reading the scenario, you will again consider what the root cause of the problems may be and respond to the questions that follow the scenario. AI Home Rental Platform A new app has been created to help match tenants with available rental properties in their desired area(s). The application uses AI-driven software with sophisticated algorithms to match potential tenants with rental properties that should be a good fit. The software takes into account user preferences, credit scores, rental histories, and other variables to suggest listings. After a period of successful operation, a third-party audit reveals that users from certain neighborhoods are often not shown premium listings, even if their financial credentials match or surpass those from other neighborhoods. This disparity seems to correlate closely with the demographic composition of the neighborhoods. This presents both an ethical problem for the company and exposes them to potential legal ramifications since this software may facilitate the violation of the Fair Housing Act. Instructions Based on the information provided in the scenario, respond to the following questions: What is the potential impact on the business? Is this issue something that should be prioritized for change or just a product of the limitations of technology? Explain. What specific recommendations would you suggest the creators of this AI could do to prevent this from happening in the future?