Compliance Overview

How the system works

Prelim is a text-only AI screening tool for hiring. The product does not record video, voice, or biometric data.

• A candidate receives a link from an employer and answers interview questions in a chat interface.
• A first-stage model (currently OpenAI gpt-4o-mini) evaluates whether each configured question has been answered and generates clarifying follow-ups when needed.
• A second-stage model (currently OpenAI gpt-4o) scores the candidate's responses on a 0–100 scale with written reasoning, and produces a five-tier recommendation (strong_yes / yes / maybe / no / strong_no).
• The employer reviews the scores, reasoning, and recommendation and makes the final hiring decision. AI output is decision-support; it is not the decision.

What data is processed

• From the candidate: name, email, and the text responses they provide during the interview.
• From the employer: the job description, interview questions, and scoring rubric.
• Generated by Prelim: AI scores, written reasoning, and the recommendation tier.

Interview transcripts and scores are retained for 18 months from interview completion and then deleted automatically. Account data is retained while the account is active. See the Privacy Policy for full details.

Sub-processors

All sub-processors are US-based.

• OpenAI, L.L.C. — AI scoring and conversation. API-submitted data is retained up to 30 days for abuse monitoring and is not used to train OpenAI models.
• Neon — managed Postgres database (US).
• Google Cloud Run — API hosting (US).
• Vercel — frontend hosting (US).

Each provider's data-processing terms govern their handling of personal data — OpenAI and Google Cloud auto-incorporate a Data Processing Addendum into their terms of service; Vercel hosts our frontend under their standard Terms of Service; we maintain a direct Data Processing Addendum with Neon on request. The authoritative sub-processor list is in the Privacy Policy.

EU candidates

Prelim does not currently market to the European Economic Area and geo-fences candidates located in the EU. Customers who need EU coverage should contact us before issuing interviews to EU candidates.

Candidate rights

Regardless of jurisdiction, candidates may:

• Request a copy of the AI score, reasoning, and recommendation generated about their interview.
• Request deletion of their data.
• Ask what data was shared with the employer that issued their interview.
• Request a reasonable accommodation or alternative screening process under the ADA. The accommodation link shown in-interview routes to the employer's designated contact.

Candidates can exercise these rights by emailing marcus@prelim.chat with the subject "Privacy Request," or by contacting the employer directly.

ADA accommodations

Prelim's interview is a written chat. Some candidates may need an alternative format, additional time, or other reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and analogous state laws. The Prelim interview displays an accommodation-request link that routes to the employer's designated contact email. Employers are responsible for receiving, evaluating, and granting accommodation requests, and for offering an alternative screening process to candidates who cannot effectively use the chat-based interview. See the Terms of Service.

Employer compliance resources

• Data Processing Addendum (DPA) template — covers Prelim's role as processor, sub-processors, security measures, breach notification, audit rights, and deletion on termination.
• Jurisdiction notice templates — copy-and-fill templates for NYC Local Law 144, Illinois HB 3773 (Public Act 103-0804), and California FEHA Automated Decision System notices.
• Privacy Policy — what data Prelim collects, how it is processed, and candidate rights.
• Terms of Service — customer obligations regarding human review, jurisdiction-specific notices, and accommodations.

Bias audits and testing

Customers using Prelim for NYC-based roles or NYC-resident candidates are responsible for arranging an independent bias audit of the AEDT under NYC Local Law 144 and for publishing the summary results. Prelim will, on customer request, provide reasonable information to support a customer-commissioned audit.

Contact

Compliance, security, or DPA questions: marcus@prelim.chat.