AI Surveillance in Action: What UK Train Passengers Didn’t Know (According to Amazon)!

Amazon-Powered AI Cameras Monitor UK Train Passengers’ Emotions

Recent AI trials in the UK have utilised Amazon’s AI-powered cameras to monitor train passengers, predicting their age, gender, and emotions. These trials, conducted over the past two years at major stations like London’s Euston and Waterloo, aimed to enhance safety by detecting incidents like trespassing, platform overcrowding, and potential bike thefts. The AI technology also assessed passenger satisfaction, with data potentially used for future advertising systems (Wired).

Privacy Concerns and AI Surveillance

Documents obtained by Big Brother Watch revealed the extent of these trials, sparking concerns about privacy and transparency. The use of AI to analyse passenger demographics and emotions was particularly controversial, with experts warning about the unreliability of emotion detection technology. Network Rail defended the trials, emphasising their collaboration with police and compliance with surveillance laws, but did not clarify the current status or privacy implications of the AI usage .

AI in Public Spaces: A Global Trend

Globally, AI surveillance in public spaces is on the rise, with similar systems planned for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games. Privacy experts warn that such technology could lead to increased surveillance and control, potentially undermining personal freedoms. What if you were riding on the bus and cameras were spying on you!?

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*An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.