Meta's job advertisement algorithm confirmed to engage in gender discrimination
The Netherlands Institute for Human Rights has issued a landmark ruling in the tech world, determining that Meta's job advertisement system generates gender-based discrimination.
The Netherlands Institute for Human Rights has confirmed that Meta's job advertisement algorithm engages in gender-based discrimination and that the company failed to fulfill its duty of care.
The Beginning of the Legal Process
Berty Bannor, a lawyer for the Netherlands-based women's rights organization Bureau Clara Wichmann, evaluated the legal process they conducted against Meta's job advertisement algorithm.
Findings of Algorithmic Discrimination
Research conducted by Global Witness revealed that Facebook's job advertisement system segregates users based on gender and reinforces stereotypes.
The study found that professions such as electrician were shown more frequently to men, while professions like teaching were shown more to women.
The Institute's Landmark Ruling
In a 2025 ruling, the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights determined that Meta engaged in gender-based discrimination in accordance with the Dutch Constitution and the General Equal Treatment Act.
This decision serves as a precedent in confirming that major technology companies are subject to equality laws.
Similar International Rulings
Although Meta denied the jurisdiction of the Netherlands throughout the process, the French equality watchdog, Défenseur des Droits, reached a similar conclusion.
The French institution ruled that Meta's algorithms engaged in unlawful discrimination and granted the company a period of time to rectify the issue.