An algorithmic system used by Austria's government to support job seekers was halted by the country's privacy watchdog for violating the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GPDR).

Designed to predict the chances of job seekers getting back into the job market within a certain period of time, the so-called "AMS algorithm" had been engaged in "invasive profiling", according to Austria's privacy regulator Österreichische Datenschutzbehörde.

The authority also criticised the fact that those affected had no opportunity to object to decisions made by the algorithm. 

The decision that there was no legal basis for the operation of the AMS algorithm was seen as the data protection authority passing the ball to politicians.

➕ December 2022. The watchog's decision was challenged by the Federal Administrative Court, which allowed the system to be reinstated.