"Algorithmic bias" refers to unintended discrimination occurring as a result of an automated decision. The term "protected feature" refers to a specific demographic characteristic such as age or sex. Legislation defines a series of protected features. For example, in the UK, citizens are protected against discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation status by the Equality Act 2010.