Your boss can spy on you to check if you’re wearing face masks at work with creepy Amazon box
AMAZON has created a new system that could help your boss check if you're wearing a face mask and following Covid rules in the office.
It involves adding a box to existing security cameras that then uses artificial intelligence to monitor behaviour.
The concept has led to concern from privacy campaigners but Amazon thinks it could improve safety and efficiency in the workplace.
According to , an Amazon spokesperson said: "AWS Panorama does not include any pre-packaged facial recognition capabilities."
The box device is called an AWS Panorama appliance and can be plugged into standard video cameras that a lot of shops and offices use.
It can be used to monitor both manufacturing processes and humans.
Amazon said that the device monitors people and can inform whoever is in charge straightaway about any problems.
Workers may be monitored on how long they take to complete a task.
Major companies like Siemens and Deloitte are already said to be trialling the system.
The says you can use the device to "count customers, generate heat maps, and calculate the length of queues."
It also states underneath a picture of works in face masks: "AWS Panorama allows you to monitor workplace safety and get notified immediately about any potential issues or unsafe situations so you can take preemptive action."
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) about employers using AI tools has warned against some potentially negative effects of this type of tech.
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