Apple is facing scrutiny after allegations have come out that their Apple Card algorithm is biased based on gender. According to Bloomberg, “Apple Inc. and Goldman Sachs Group Inc., two of the most recognizable companies in tech and finance, are caught up in a growing debate over whether lenders unintentionally discriminate when they use complex models to determine how Americans borrow money.”
Apple co-founder, Steve Wozniak, claims that his Apple Card has a limit ten times higher than his wife, although they share bank accounts. He also adds that they share other credit card accounts and those lenders treat them differently.
The same situation has happened to web developer David Heinemeier Hansson. He claims that Apple gave him a credit limit that was 20 times higher than his wife, who has a higher credit score than him. His tweets have since gone viral.
He explains, “The @Applecard is such a f—ing sexist program. My wife and I filed joint tax returns, live in a community-property state, and have been married for a long time. Yet Apple’s black box algorithm thinks I deserve 20x the credit limit she does. No appeals work.”
He adds that the Algorithm is to blame.
A New York Department of Financial Services spokeswoman has made an announcement saying the issue is being addressed. She says, “The department will be conducting an investigation to determine whether New York law was violated and ensure all consumers are treated equally regardless of sex. Any algorithm that intentionally or not results in discriminatory treatment of women or any other protected class of people violates New York law.”
Goldman Sachs also made an announcement responding to the allegations. Read the statement below.