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Since its creation in 1792, the penny has had a notable role in American currency. But 2026, will mark the end of the one cent after 233 years. In June of 2025, the U.S. Treasury made its final order for penny blanks. The U.S. Mint stated that it's lost $85.3 million on the 3.2 billion pennies they produced in the 2024 fiscal year. It is estimated that the government will save $56 million annually once the production of the penny stops. The penny was one of the first coins produced by the U.S. Mint in 1792 and was originally designed by Benjamin Franklin. Since then, the penny has been used to mark significant events in American history as its design has changed over the years. The penny, starting in 1857, has been the smallest form of currency used in America. Now the nickel will become the smallest coin to be used in cash purchases. With this change it is expected that getting your exact change will become difficult, causing businesses to either round up or round down to the nearest five cents. Dr. Jared Pincin is an expert on economics and is available to speak to media regarding penny production and the economy – simply click on his icon or email mweinstein@cedarville.edu to arrange an interview.
Why Your Experts Might Not Show Up in Google AI Overviews — And How to Fix It
The way we find expert information online is changing fast. With the rise of Google’s AI-generated overviews (formerly called Search Generative Experience), the top spot on the search page no longer goes to the highest-ranking blue link. Instead, AI now summarizes answers using a blend of machine learning, structured data, and trust signals—pulling directly from a variety of select sources across the web. If institutions—whether academic, healthcare, corporate or others—aren't aligning its expert content with these new rules of discovery, your experts may be left out of the conversation altogether. Don't miss being featured in media stories, invited to speak at events, or approached for business and collaboration opportunities. This is the moment to double down on structured data and transparent authorship—because AI-first search is rewarding expert clarity, not just content volume. The following provides a quick breakdown as to how AI Search, Google’s EEAT principles, and Schema.org structured data work together—and what you can do to ensure your expert content...and your experts, gets surfaced, cited, and trusted. What Is EEAT and Why It Matters in AI Search EEAT stands for Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness—the core framework Google uses to evaluate whether content is reliable and deserves to rank, especially in high-stakes areas like health, education, and finance. In AI-powered summaries, Google doesn’t just look at keywords—it looks for: Real people with demonstrable credentials Clear affiliations with reputable institutions Consistent authorship and transparency Trust signals like citations, bios, and professional history EEAT in Action: Why Schema Markup Is Your AI SEO Power Tool EEAT signals work best when they’re machine-readable—that’s where Schema.org structured data comes in. It acts as a translator between your content and Google’s AI. Schema tags are pieces of structured data that help search engines understand the content and context of your web pages. They translate human-readable information—like author names, job titles, and article types—into machine-readable signals that boost visibility AI overviews and search results. Implementing Schema helps ensure your expert content is eligible for inclusion in AI overviews. Key schema types include: {Person} – for expert bios {ScholarlyArticle}, {Article}, {FAQ} – for authored content {Organization}, {MedicalOrganization}, {EducationalOrganization} – to establish credibility {sameAs} – to reinforce expertise by connecting external profiles (LinkedIn, ORCID, Google Scholar) Schema in Action: AI Overviews Favor Structured, Credible Expert Content Google’s AI overviews are designed to synthesize trustworthy sources—not just surface-level blog posts or SEO-churned pages. That means expert content that is: Authored by named individuals with clear credentials Structured for readability and machine parsing Linked to institutional authority and trust domains If your experts don’t meet these criteria—or if Google’s crawlers can’t understand the relationships between person, organization, and content—your insights may never reach the surface of the AI summary box. How ExpertFile Optimizes for AI-Driven Search AI search is no longer just about keywords—it’s about credibility, structure, and clarity. Institutions that invest in properly structured expert content will not only rank better—they’ll become the source quoted in the next generation of search. ExpertFile is purpose-built to maximize visibility and trust in this new era of AI search. Here’s how: Structured Expert Profiles: Every expert has a dedicated page with rich Person schema, bios, credentials, affiliations, and publication history. Schema-Tagged Content: Articles, media spotlights, and FAQs are marked up using Schema.org types like ScholarlyArticle, FAQPage, and Article. Institutional Credibility: Profiles are embedded within .edu, .org, or corporate domains—reinforcing trust with Google’s algorithms. Cross-Linked Authority: Integration with Google Scholar, LinkedIn, and ORCID ensures a 360° trust profile across the web. Mobile-Ready & Indexed: ExpertFile content is fully indexable and distributed across web and mobile platforms—supporting discoverability everywhere AI pulls from. With ExpertFile, your experts are not just listed—they’re positioned, structured, and ready for the AI spotlight. Learn more about how ExpertFile helps organization's benefit in the new era of AI.
Remembering the Tiananmen Square Crackdown in 1989
The anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown on June 4, 1989, marks one of the most pivotal and censored events in modern Chinese history. What began as a peaceful student-led demonstration demanding political reform, freedom of expression, and anti-corruption measures, ended in a violent military response that shocked the world. The Chinese government's suppression of the protests, including the deaths and detentions of countless civilians, continues to shape how the nation is viewed both internally and globally. As public remembrance is restricted in China, the event remains a powerful lens through which to examine human rights, authoritarian governance, and the limits of collective memory. Key story angles include: What Led to the Protests: Exploring the economic and political climate of late-1980s China, the influence of global democratic movements, and the demands of the student protestors. The Crackdown and Casualties: Reconstructing the timeline of events, the military response, estimated death tolls, and the international reactions in real-time. Global Response and Diplomatic Fallout: Analyzing how countries responded with sanctions, condemnation, or silence—and how the crackdown affected China’s foreign relations. Censorship and Erasure in China Today: Investigating how the Chinese Communist Party has erased public memory of the event through internet censorship, media control, and surveillance. Legacy for Chinese Civil Society: Looking at how the crackdown shaped political activism, dissent, and civil rights movements in China and among the Chinese diaspora. Symbolism and Cultural Memory: Examining how iconic images, like the “Tank Man,” became global symbols of resistance, and how artists, scholars, and activists continue to commemorate the event. As China rises on the world stage, the legacy of Tiananmen Square remains a crucial marker of its internal contradictions and its contested role in global discussions on freedom, history, and accountability. Connect with our experts about Tiananmen Square and its enduring global impact: Check out our experts here : www.expertfile.com
Covering the latest developments in Iran? Our experts are here to help with your coverage.
Iran’s nuclear program remains one of the most closely watched issues in international security, diplomacy, and nonproliferation. Originally launched in the 1950s with Western support, the program has since evolved into a focal point of global concern over nuclear weapons, regional stability, and international trust. As negotiations continue to stall and enrichment capabilities increase, understanding the historical context, scientific progress, and geopolitical consequences of Iran’s nuclear ambitions is critical for public awareness. This topic provides journalists with high-impact angles spanning diplomacy, science, and security. Key story angles include: Origins and Evolution of the Program: Tracing the nuclear program from its U.S.-backed beginnings under the Shah to its secret expansion after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The JCPOA (Iran Nuclear Deal): Examining the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, its successes, its unraveling after the U.S. withdrawal in 2018, and current attempts to revive it. Scientific Advances and Enrichment Capacity: Analyzing Iran’s current uranium enrichment levels, centrifuge technology, and what experts say about its "breakout time." Regional and Global Security Concerns: Investigating how Iran’s program affects Middle Eastern tensions, Israeli security policy, and broader nuclear proliferation risks. Diplomatic Stalemates and Sanctions: Reviewing the impact of international sanctions, diplomatic efforts by the EU, China, and Russia, and the political dynamics within Iran. The Risk of Escalation or Military Conflict: Exploring scenarios that could lead to open confrontation and what military analysts say about preemptive strikes or deterrence strategies. Iran’s nuclear program is not just a regional issue—it’s a global flashpoint at the intersection of science, diplomacy, and international law. Journalists covering this story have an opportunity to unpack a decades-long narrative with renewed urgency. Connect with our experts about Iran’s Nuclear Program: History, Progress, and Global Risks: Check out our experts here : www.expertfile.com
ExpertSpotlight: American Steel Tariffs – A Brief History
The history of steel trade and tariffs in the United States is deeply intertwined with the nation’s industrial rise, global economic strategy, and political maneuvering. From the late 19th century through the 21st, steel has symbolized both national strength and international tension. Trade protections—such as tariffs—have been used to shield American steel producers from foreign competition, often sparking international disputes and shaping the direction of U.S. economic policy. This topic matters to the public because it affects manufacturing jobs, infrastructure costs, international relations, and the price of goods in everyday life. Understanding steel tariffs offers a lens into larger debates about globalization, economic nationalism, and trade fairness. Key story angles that may interest a broad audience include: The origins of U.S. steel tariffs: Tracing the first protective tariffs in the late 1800s and their role in America’s industrial expansion. The role of steel in national security and economic independence: Investigating why steel has been labeled a “strategic industry” across administrations. Tariff flashpoints: Highlighting major tariff battles—such as the 2002 and 2018 steel tariffs—and their economic and diplomatic consequences. Impact on American manufacturing and jobs: Examining whether tariffs have protected or hindered employment in steel-producing regions. Global trade tensions: Exploring how tariffs have affected relationships with allies such as Canada, the EU, and China. Future of steel trade policy: Discussing evolving views on protectionism, globalization, and climate-linked trade strategies. Connect with our experts about the history of tariffs and steel in America: Check out our experts here : www.expertfile.com
Masoud Davari, Ph.D., associate professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering & Computing, was recognized for his achievements in the field of power electronics control and testing with the IEEE Region 3 Outstanding Engineer Award. He was also granted membership into Eta Kappa Nu (HKN), IEEE’s international honor society. IEEE, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, is the world’s largest professional organization for electrical engineers, with its membership numbering over 486,000 in more than 190 countries. Davari has been a member of IEEE since 2008 and a senior member of IEEE’s Region 3 since 2019. The organization’s Region 3 encompasses the southeastern United States and has over 24,000 members. The Outstanding Engineer Award, given annually to one member per region, recognizes those who have advanced knowledge and improved humanity through any of the technical subjects covered by the IEEE societies, councils, and affinity groups. Davari was praised for “outstanding, technical, and professional contributions to synthesizing reinforcement learning optimal controls for power electronic converters, creating robust integration of power electronics considering the impact of cyberattacks on modern grids, and advancing IEEE standards for hardware-in-the-loop testing and education through impactful research and service.” This impactful research and service includes eight years of teaching at Georgia Southern. He currently teaches introductory courses on circuit analysis and power systems fundamentals. He has also served as a chapter lead of the IEEE Working Group (WG) P2004 for testing based on hardware-in-the-loop simulations in the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE SA) and that of the IEEE Power and Energy Society Task Force on innovative teaching methods for modern power and energy systems (TR 120). In addition to being an engaged educator, Davari is also a prolific researcher. He was selected as the finalist for the 2024 Curtis W. McGraw Research Award by the Awards Committee of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE); has also been awarded a research fellowship by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation in 2024; was included in Stanford/Elsevier’s Top 2% Scientist Rankings list; and has received $1.17 million in grants from the National Science Foundation Davari’s work ethic and commitment to bridging the gap between industry and research led Rami Haddad, Ph.D., interim dean of the College of Engineering & Computing, to nominate him. “Dr. Davari’s recognition as the IEEE Region 3 Outstanding Engineer and his induction into IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu (HKN) are truly remarkable honors that reflect his outstanding contributions to electrical and computer engineering,” Haddad said. “Being recognized among more than 24,000 IEEE members across the Southeast is a testament to the impact and excellence of his work. We are proud to have Dr. Davari as a valued member of our college, and we celebrate his achievements as a shining example of the innovation and leadership that define our faculty.” This award marks the first time a Georgia Southern faculty member has received it in its 55-year history. It is a career milestone for Davari, who has published research on advanced technology integration into modern power and energy systems in high-impact-factor IEEE Transactions/Journal venues and has extensively researched the era of grid-edge technologies. “I’m deeply honored by this prestigious award,” Davari said. “Not only does it reaffirm my dedication to my research field, but it also fuels my passion for creating a technologically advanced future. Receiving this IEEE award on behalf of my outstanding team is a privilege. Their relentless commitment and hard work since 2015 have truly made this achievement possible.” Davari’s induction into HKN places him among the best in his field. The membership, which is received through invitation only from HKN’s Board of Governors and is based on the candidate’s record of contributions to the field, demonstrated leadership, and community service. “With a legacy that stretches over a century, IEEE-HKN represents the pinnacle of prestige and tradition in our profession, indicating academic achievements and dedication to research, potential leadership, exemplary character, and a positive attitude. Notably, many of our industry’s most influential leaders initiated their journeys through induction into IEEE-HKN as professional members, so receiving this honor is a privilege.” Davari received his award and was inducted into Eta Kappa Nu (HKN) in March at IEEE Region 3’s SoutheastCon 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. If you're interested in learning more and want to book time to talk or interview with Masoud Davari then let us help - simply contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.
MEDIA RELEASE: Provincial Trunk Highway 34 Named the Worst Road in Manitoba
Manitobans have spoken – and the results are in. The 2025 CAA Worst Road is Provincial Trunk Highway 34 (PTH 34) in Central Plains/Pembina Valley, Manitoba. Frustrations with potholes, poor road maintenance, poor road signage and unpaved roads pushed PTH 34 to the number one spot. This marks this road’s sixth appearance on the CAA Worst Roads Top 10 list; however, this is the first time it has taken the top spot. This year also marks a historic first for the CAA Worst Roads campaign – for the first time in its 14-year history, nine out of ten roads on the top 10 list are from rural Manitoba communities. Saskatchewan Avenue, the only Winnipeg road on the list in 2025, has appeared on the CAA Worst Roads list for the last seven consecutive years. "The CAA Worst Roads campaign provides a powerful snapshot to governments on where to prioritize budgets and move up road repairs by giving Manitobans an opportunity to have their say on the difficulties they are experiencing in getting around," says Ewald Friesen, manager of government and community relations for CAA Manitoba, "We saw the proof of this when last year's winner, 18th Street in Brandon, received a swift and coordinated response from governments on the same day the results were released, with shovels in the ground by Fall.” This year’s campaign saw an almost 50 per cent increase in roads nominated, with 723 different roads across 86 municipalities. CAA research shows that 39 per cent of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with road work projects, stating that the roads don’t last long before they must be repaired again. However, 88 per cent are willing to put up with the inconvenience of construction in exchange for long-term improvements. "Manitobans take to this campaign because they are hopeful for change,” says Friesen. “CAA’s annual campaign plays a critical role in highlighting the roads that need urgent attention, providing governments with a better understanding of where Manitobans want these investments made." Half of the roads on the top 10 list are new this year. These include Provincial Road 234 in Interlake, Provincial Road 349 in Westman, Provincial Road 239 in Interlake, 26th Street in Brandon, and Provincial Trunk Highway 12 in Eastman. Manitoba's Top 10 Worst Roads for 2025 1. Provincial Trunk Highway 34, Central Plains/Pembina Valley 2. Provincial Road 234, Interlake 3. Provincial Road 307, Whiteshell 4. Provincial Road 239, Interlake 5. Provincial Road 349, Westman 6. 26th Street, Brandon 7. Provincial Trunk Highway 12, Eastman 8. Provincial Trunk Highway 26, Central Plains 9. Richmond Avenue, Brandon 10. Saskatchewan Avenue, Winnipeg "CAA Manitoba urges all levels of government to prioritize road safety through predictable, year-over-year investment and timely repairs," adds Friesen. “CAA Manitoba will continue to advocate for Manitobans to drive positive change in communities across the province." For more information and historical results, please visit: https://www.caamanitoba.com/advocacy/government-relations/worst-roads
Why Paying Cash Can Hurt Your Credit
Earlier this week, Rosa Marchitelli from CBC’s Marketplace recently profiled a Calgary man whose credit score shockingly dropped to zero—not because he was reckless with debt, but because he paid cash for everything. No missed payments. No defaults. Just a lifetime of financial caution that, ironically, made him invisible in the eyes of Canada’s credit system. It’s the kind of story that stops you in your tracks—because it turns everything we’ve been told about “good financial behaviour” on its head. In this post, we’ll break down the surprising logic behind Canadian credit scores, why living debt-free can actually hurt your financial profile, and how to play the credit game without compromising your values. If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t need credit because I’m responsible,” this might just change your mind. Back when I taught the Mortgage Agents Licensing Course, offered by Mortgage Professionals Canada, I always looked forward to my session on credit. Why? Because most people don’t really understand how credit scores work—or how to protect and build a healthy one. So, you’ve always paid cash, avoided debt like the plague, and proudly told your kids you don’t even own a credit card. Congratulations! You’re a responsible citizen… but your credit score is probably dreadful. Wait—what? Yes, the wonderful world of Canadian credit scoring is one of life’s mysteries. It rewards behaviour that may seem risky to the debt-averse but is actually just good financial practice in disguise. So, let’s lift the curtain and decode the quirky logic behind your credit score. Credit Scores 101: It’s Not About Your Morals. It’s About Your Habits In Canada, credit scores range from 300 to 900—the higher, the better. Your score reflects your ability to manage borrowed money based on your past use of credit products such as credit cards, lines of credit, and loans. Here’s the twist: not using credit at all doesn’t make you look smart; it makes you look suspicious. Credit bureaus assume that if you don’t have credit, it’s because you can’t get it—not because you’re a thrifty minimalist growing kale and paying cash. Meet the Scorekeepers: Equifax vs. TransUnion Canada has two major credit bureaus: • Equifax – Favoured by banks and mortgage lenders. • TransUnion – Commonly used by credit card and auto lenders. Each bureau calculates your score slightly differently, so the numbers may vary, like having two referees at the same game. Expect some disagreement on the calls. Pro tip: check both reports annually (for free) to spot any errors early. The Government of Canada has more information for you here. Credit Score Bands Score Range 800–900 - Excellent Access to the best rates and financial products. 740–799 - Very Good Qualifies for most products with favourable terms. 670–739 - Good Solid score; ~35% of Canadians are here. 580–669 - Fair May qualify but at higher rates. 300–579 - Poor High risk. Harder to get approved. Minimum Scores for Common Credit Products Credit Cards: 600+ Premium cards usually require 700+ Auto Loans: 620+ Higher rates if below 700 Consumer Loans: 640+ Lower scores = shorter terms/higher rates Mortgages: 680+ CMHC-insured loans often require a 680+ Pro Tip: Paying cash may make Grandma proud, but lenders can’t assess you without credit activity. No credit = no score = no loan Decoding Credit Codes: The ABCs and 1- 9s of Credit Credit accounts are coded using a letter for the type of credit and a number for how well you manage it. Letter Codes: R – Revolving (e.g., credit cards) I – Instalment (e.g., auto loans) M – Mortgage O – Open (e.g., lines of credit) Number Ratings: 1 – Paid on time 2–5 – Late by 30 to 120+ days 6 – Not used 7 – Making regular payments via credit counseling 8 – Repossession 9 – Sent to collections or bankruptcy A trade line is a record of your credit account. Each shows the credit type, lender, balance, and payment history. Think of it as a financial resume—each tradeline is like a job entry listing your past and present “performance” with a particular creditor. How Long Does Negative Info Last: Bankruptcy (R9); Equifax (7 Years) TransUnion (6 years) Late Payments: Equifax (6 Years) TransUnion (6 years) Collections: Equifax (6 Years) TransUnion (6 years) Consumer Proposal: Equifax (3 years post-payment) TransUnion (3 years post-payment) Credit Counselling (R7): Equifax (7 years after the final payment) TransUnion (6 years after the final payment) Pro Tip: Keep in mind that after falling off your credit report, bankruptcies may still appear in public records. Here's How Your Score Is Calculated Factor Weight and Why It Matters Payment History 35% Late payments are like bad breath—unforgettable. Credit Utilization 30% Use less than 30% of your limit. Length of Credit 15% Longer credit history is more trustworthy. Credit Mix 10% Variety of products = balanced borrower. New Credit Inquiries 10% Too many apps = desperation sniffed by lenders. Source: TransUnion Canada - Credit Score Factors Utilization: More Credit, Used Sparingly = Better Score Yes, it’s weird—but true: someone with five credit cards and a $50,000 limit who uses only $2,000 will likely have a better score than someone with a single $2,000 credit card which is nearly maxed out. Why? Utilization is calculated as a percentage. The more room you leave untouched, the more responsible you appear. Ghosts & Abstainers: No Credit is a Red Flag So, back to the Marketplace story we mentioned earlier. As we consider all the factors involved in credit scoring, is it surprising that this man in Calgary, who paid cash for everything, had his score drop to zero after a long period of inactivity? Not really. Credit bureaus don’t reward abstinence—they penalize it. If you haven’t borrowed in a while, you may be “credit invisible.” It’s like trying to get hired without a resume. No record? No offers. Building (or Rebuilding) Credit What if you need to fix a low score due to missed payments, bankruptcy, or simply a lack of credit history? Getting your credit score up is entirely possible—with patience, consistency, and the right strategy. Here’s a practical framework I use. 1. Get Credit – A secured card works just fine. 2. Use It – Buy groceries, gas, Netflix—whatever you usually pay for. 3. Pay on Time – Even the minimum. Set a reminder …or three. 4. Stay below 30% – Don’t max it out. Do this, and your score should rise like a perfectly baked soufflé. When Credit Counselling is the Better Option Struggling with debt? Credit counseling might be your best path forward. These services consolidate all unsecured debts into one monthly payment and negotiate with creditors to reduce or eliminate interest. It’s a couple-of-year commitment that avoids bankruptcy, and you pay something back. However, your credit will reflect an R7 status for 3 years after your final payment or 6 years after you sign the contract, whichever comes first. Pro Tip: Credit counseling is the more noble route, but remember that it still significantly affects your score. (Source: Credit Counselling Canada) What If There’s an Error—or You’ve Been Hacked? If you spot a mistake on your report—or worse, see signs of identity theft—don’t panic. Here’s what to do: 1. Request a copy of your report from Equifax and TransUnion. 2. Highlight the error and contact the bureau to initiate a dispute. 3. Provide supporting documents. 4. Follow up regularly—bureaus must investigate within 30 days. If you’re a victim of identity theft: • Contact your bank and credit card issuers immediately. • File a police report. • Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit file. Here are important links with more details on how to work with both <Equifax> and <TransUnion> The final statement (get it?) Your credit score doesn’t care if you’re a good person. It only cares if you’re a predictable borrower. So don’t take it personally—play the game smartly. Because in the wild world of credit, it’s not about morals. It’s about whether you paid your $9.99 Netflix bill on time. Now go forward and charge responsibly. Don’t Retire … Re-Wire! Sue
ExpertSpotlight: Queen Victoria and Why Canada Celebrates Her Legacy Today
Victoria Day, celebrated annually on the Monday preceding May 25, marks the birthday of Queen Victoria and serves as the unofficial start of summer in Canada. While often recognized as a festive long weekend, the holiday has deep historical roots tied to Canada’s identity as a constitutional monarchy and its colonial legacy. As Canadians reflect on this tradition, it also opens the door to critical conversations about the British Crown’s historical role in shaping the nation—including its enduring impact on Indigenous Peoples. This observance remains a timely opportunity to explore how history, colonialism, and reconciliation intersect in modern Canada. Key story angles include: The Origins of Victoria Day: Tracing the establishment of the holiday in 1845 and Queen Victoria’s significance to Canadian nationhood and imperial identity. Queen Victoria’s Reign and the British Empire: Examining how the expansion of the empire under her rule affected the development of Canada and its governance structures. Impact on First Nations Peoples: Analyzing the Crown’s role in treaty-making, land dispossession, and the assimilation policies that Indigenous communities continue to confront. Victoria Day in Contemporary Canada: Exploring how the holiday is celebrated today, including regional variations and the growing conversation around its relevance. The Crown’s Evolving Role in Reconciliation: Investigating how the monarchy’s historical ties to colonization are being reexamined in light of Canada’s commitment to truth and reconciliation. Monuments, Memory, and Public Debate: Highlighting recent movements to reassess statues, place names, and celebrations linked to colonial figures like Queen Victoria. As Canada navigates its evolving relationship with the monarchy and Indigenous communities, Victoria Day offers a meaningful occasion to revisit the country’s past and consider how its historical narratives are remembered and reshaped. Check out our experts here : www.expertfile.com
Expert Perspective: Mitigating Bias in AI: Sharing the Burden of Bias When it Counts Most
Whether getting directions from Google Maps, personalized job recommendations from LinkedIn, or nudges from a bank for new products based on our data-rich profiles, we have grown accustomed to having artificial intelligence (AI) systems in our lives. But are AI systems fair? The answer to this question, in short—not completely. Further complicating the matter is the fact that today’s AI systems are far from transparent. Think about it: The uncomfortable truth is that generative AI tools like ChatGPT—based on sophisticated architectures such as deep learning or large language models—are fed vast amounts of training data which then interact in unpredictable ways. And while the principles of how these methods operate are well-understood (at least by those who created them), ChatGPT’s decisions are likened to an airplane’s black box: They are not easy to penetrate. So, how can we determine if “black box AI” is fair? Some dedicated data scientists are working around the clock to tackle this big issue. One of those data scientists is Gareth James, who also serves as the Dean of Goizueta Business School as his day job. In a recent paper titled “A Burden Shared is a Burden Halved: A Fairness-Adjusted Approach to Classification” Dean James—along with coauthors Bradley Rava, Wenguang Sun, and Xin Tong—have proposed a new framework to help ensure AI decision-making is as fair as possible in high-stakes decisions where certain individuals—for example, racial minority groups and other protected groups—may be more prone to AI bias, even without our realizing it. In other words, their new approach to fairness makes adjustments that work out better when some are getting the short shrift of AI. Gareth James became the John H. Harland Dean of Goizueta Business School in July 2022. Renowned for his visionary leadership, statistical mastery, and commitment to the future of business education, James brings vast and versatile experience to the role. His collaborative nature and data-driven scholarship offer fresh energy and focus aimed at furthering Goizueta’s mission: to prepare principled leaders to have a positive influence on business and society. Unpacking Bias in High-Stakes Scenarios Dean James and his coauthors set their sights on high-stakes decisions in their work. What counts as high stakes? Examples include hospitals’ medical diagnoses, banks’ credit-worthiness assessments, and state justice systems’ bail and sentencing decisions. On the one hand, these areas are ripe for AI-interventions, with ample data available. On the other hand, biased decision-making here has the potential to negatively impact a person’s life in a significant way. In the case of justice systems, in the United States, there’s a data-driven, decision-support tool known as COMPAS (which stands for Correctional Offender Management Profiling for Alternative Sanctions) in active use. The idea behind COMPAS is to crunch available data (including age, sex, and criminal history) to help determine a criminal-court defendant’s likelihood of committing a crime as they await trial. Supporters of COMPAS note that statistical predictions are helping courts make better decisions about bail than humans did on their own. At the same time, detractors have argued that COMPAS is better at predicting recidivism for some racial groups than for others. And since we can’t control which group we belong to, that bias needs to be corrected. It’s high time for guardrails. A Step Toward Fairer AI Decisions Enter Dean James and colleagues’ algorithm. Designed to make the outputs of AI decisions fairer, even without having to know the AI model’s inner workings, they call it “fairness-adjusted selective inference” (FASI). It works to flag specific decisions that would be better handled by a human being in order to avoid systemic bias. That is to say, if the AI cannot yield an acceptably clear (1/0 or binary) answer, a human review is recommended. To test the results for their “fairness-adjusted selective inference,” the researchers turn to both simulated and real data. For the real data, the COMPAS dataset enabled a look at predicted and actual recidivism rates for two minority groups, as seen in the chart below. In the figures above, the researchers set an “acceptable level of mistakes” – seen as the dotted line – at 0.25 (25%). They then compared “minority group 1” and “minority group 2” results before and after applying their FASI framework. Especially if you were born into “minority group 2,” which graph seems fairer to you? Professional ethicists will note there is a slight dip to overall accuracy, as seen in the green “all groups” category. And yet the treatment between the two groups is fairer. That is why the researchers titled their paper “a burden shared is a burdened halved.” Practical Applications for the Greater Social Good “To be honest, I was surprised by how well our framework worked without sacrificing much overall accuracy,” Dean James notes. By selecting cases where human beings should review a criminal history – or credit history or medical charts – AI discrimination that would have significant quality-of-life consequences can be reduced. Reducing protected groups’ burden of bias is also a matter of following the laws. For example, in the financial industry, the United States’ Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) makes it “illegal for a company to use a biased algorithm that results in credit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or because a person receives public assistance,” as the Federal Trade Commission explains on its website. If AI-powered programs fail to correct for AI bias, the company utilizing it can run into trouble with the law. In these cases, human reviews are well worth the extra effort for all stakeholders. The paper grew from Dean James’ ongoing work as a data scientist when time allows. “Many of us data scientists are worried about bias in AI and we’re trying to improve the output,” he notes. And as new versions of ChatGPT continue to roll out, “new guardrails are being added – some better than others.” “I’m optimistic about AI,” Dean James says. “And one thing that makes me optimistic is the fact that AI will learn and learn – there’s no going back. In education, we think a lot about formal training and lifelong learning. But then that learning journey has to end,” Dean James notes. “With AI, it never ends.” Gareth James is the John H. Harland Dean of Goizueta Business School. If you're looking to connect with him - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
