University of Waterloo found covertly using facial recognition
Occurred: February 2024
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Students at the University of Waterloo in Canada discovered that 'intelligent' vending machines on campus were using facial recognition without their knowledge.
The facial recognition capability was accidentally found by a student after an error message appeared on a screen of one of the M&M-branded vending machines. Students then began to cover a tiny hole apparently concealing the camera with chewing gum and sticky notes.
They also discovered online a a brochure for the machines which revealed that they were installed with a 'demographic sensor' allowing them to calculate the age and gender of anyone that approaches and make 'AI-powered product recommendations.'
Invenda said the vending machines do not store or transmit personally identifiable imagery. However, the university demanded the software was disabled and machines removed from campus.
System 🤖
Operator: Adaria Vending Services/University of Waterloo
Developer: Invenda Group
Country: Canada
Sector: Education
Purpose: Profile demographics
Technology: Facial recognition
Issue: Privacy
Transparency: Marketing
News, commentary, analysis 🗞️
https://mathnews.uwaterloo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mathNEWS-154-3.pdf#page=6
https://futurism.com/the-byte/error-message-vending-maching-facial-recognition
https://bnnbreaking.com/world/canada/privacy-in-the-age-of-convenience-university-of-waterloo-students-uncover-hidden-facial-recognition-in-vending-machines
Page info
Type: Incident
Published: February 2024