Privacy

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'Facial recognition' error message on vending machine sparks concern at University of Waterloo (kitchener.ctvnews.ca)

submitted 8 months ago by Ninjazzon@infosec.pub to c/privacy@lemmy.ml

151 comments fedilink hide all child comments

A set of smart vending machines at the University of Waterloo is expected to be removed from campus after students raised privacy concerns about their software.

The machines have M&M artwork on them and sell chocolate and other candy. They are located throughout campus, including in the Modern Languages building and Hagey Hall.

Earlier this month, a student noticed an error message on one of the machines in the Modern Languages building. It appeared to indicate there was a problem with a facial recognition application.

"We wouldn't have known if it weren't for the application error. There's no warning here," said River Stanley, a fourth-year student, who investigated the machines for an article in the university publication, mathNEWS.

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[–] CaptDust@sh.itjust.works 121 points 8 months ago (52 children)

Why in the ever living hell would a vending machine need local-only facial recognition...

[–] tsonfeir@lemm.ee 36 points 8 months ago (33 children)

Why the living hell would anyone agree to develop this? What douchbags are doing that job?

[–] lemann@lemmy.dbzer0.com 7 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Probably exploited labor, similar to those who have no choice but to work in scam call centers to survive.

Pretty unfortunate that things are like this IMO

[–] bjorney@lemmy.ca 0 points 8 months ago

I don't think software developers working in AI are "exploited labour just doing it to survive"

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