Amazon Installs AI Cameras In Delivery Vans To Keep Drivers Safe

Amazon's AI camera is considered scary by a group of activists (photo: Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Amazon planned to install AI cameras for its delivery drivers last year. The company has reportedly started installing the camera in its van in the UK.

Initially, the installation of this camera was intended to avoid accidents. For example, if the driver is too speeding, sudden braking, or other driver disturbances. The AI camera will send an audible alert if it violates these standards.

However, it turns out that this action actually raised concerns from a group of activists. They say that the camera is disturbing and scary.

According to The Telegraph, Silkie Carlo, director of Big Brother Watch, called the launch "excessive, disruptive and sinister worker surveillance" and said it should be postponed.

"Amazon has a poor track record of intensely monitoring their lowest-wage earners using Orwellian, often highly inaccurate, spy technology, and then using that data to their detriment," he said.

Carlo added that this action could lower their morale and was bad for workers' rights and also bad for privacy in his country.

However, Amazon thinks that since the technology was introduced in the US, there has been a 48 percent reduction in accidents. Driving without seat belts also fell by 60 percent and distracted driving also fell by 75 percent.

The Amazon spokesperson also added that the cameras that are installed do not aim at the driver's face every second and every time they work.

"The purpose of introducing this technology is to keep drivers and the community safe, there is no other reason behind that. We have carried out a comprehensive data privacy assessment in accordance with applicable laws," he added.