Algorithms in credit scoring: Discrimination based on use of statistical data in Finland

Published by:
Equinet
Date of publication:
Type:
Audio/Video
Country:

Finland

The Finnish Non-Discrimination Ombudsman requested the National Non-Discrimination and Equality Tribunal to declare that a credit institution company was guilty of discrimination, having refused to grant credit to a client for an online purchase, on the basis of a statistical scoring algorithm that used grounds of discrimination such as gender, age, language, place of residence and their combined effect, without assessing the clients individual financial situation. The Tribunal ruled that the practice constituted direct multiple discrimination and ordered a conditional fine of 100.000 euros to be paid by the company if they didn’t change their policy within 6 months. Robin Harms is Senior Adviser at the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman, Finland.

Original publication date: 8 July, 2021