Amazon AWS Panorama automated workplace surveillance
Occurred: December 2020
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AWS Panorama, a new service enabling the automated analysis of workplace security camera footage, has been criticised for its dual use nature.
According to Amazon, Panorama can be used to 'evaluate manufacturing quality, identify bottlenecks in industrial processes, and monitor workplace safety and security.'
However, commentators pointed out that the service could easily be used for other purposes, including to monitor employee productivity and performance, raising concerns about surveillance and workplace privacy.
Databank
Operator: Amazon
Developer: Amazon
Country: USA
Sector: Business/professional services
Purpose: Assess product quality; Monitor workplace safety & security
Technology: CCTV; Computer vision
Issue: Privacy; Surveillance; Dual/multi-use
Transparency: Governance
System
News, commentary, analysis
https://www.ft.com/content/27faa953-1723-4597-a5a0-2ff9e617feab
https://mashable.com/article/amazon-aws-panorama-worker-customer-tracking-technology-smart-cameras/
https://www.inputmag.com/tech/aws-panorama-is-a-device-that-adds-machine-learning-to-any-camera
https://techmonitor.ai/boardroom/productivity-monitoring-tools-office-365-amazon-aws
https://uk.pcmag.com/cameras/130315/amazona-panorama-makes-any-surveillance-camera-intelligent
Page info
Type: Issue
Published: January 2021
Last updated: November 2023