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To fix gig economy racial bias, fix rating systems

Like anywhere in American society, prejudices on the basis of color are there.

“It's never as simple as one star or five stars.”

JOHN CHUANG / CEO, AQUENT

Companies could improve their rating systems for workers through statistical adjustments that account for race and other demographic factors. These adjustments could work in conjunction with a “rate the rater” metric to detect patterns of bias within repeat raters, and remove those individuals' abilities to affect workers' ratings negatively. Ride-share companies like Uber could implement more objective measurements to rate workers. Users could assess specific elements like driver punctuality or safety on the road. Uber has been responsive to such ideas and has refined its rating system. Who’s next?

This article originally appeared on Quartz.

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