Facial Tech Fiasco at University of Waterloo Vending Machines Sparks Controversy
- Privacy Law In Canada
- Feb 29, 2024
- 2 min read
February 29th, 2024 --- The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario has initiated an investigation into the University of Waterloo's deployment of vending machines equipped with facial analysis technology. This decision comes in response to two complaints received by the commissioner's office regarding privacy concerns related to the use of this technology on campus.
The University of Waterloo has stated that it was unaware of the presence of facial analysis technology in the vending machines. As a result of the investigation and in response to the concerns raised, the university has decided to remove all 29 vending machines from the campus. According to university spokeswoman Rebecca Elming, this removal process will be completed by the end of the following week.
The controversy arose after a photo surfaced online depicting a vending machine displaying an error message seemingly linked to the facial analysis program. Student publication MathNews subsequently reported on the issue, emphasizing the importance of obtaining meaningful consent when implementing such technologies.
The vending machine operator, Adaria Vending Services, has not provided immediate comment on the matter. However, the software developer of the technology, Invenda, has clarified that the machines utilize people detection and facial analysis technology, rather than facial recognition. According to Invenda, the purpose of this technology is to activate screens for purchases based on motion sensor detection, without storing or processing any personally identifiable information.
Adaria Vending Services, in its website statement, highlights the internet and cloud connectivity of its vending machines, emphasizing the ability to gather detailed sales data and optimize machine performance for customer satisfaction.
Both the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada have expressed concerns over the privacy implications of using facial recognition technology. The widespread adoption of such technology in various sectors has raised broader privacy issues, prompting heightened scrutiny from regulatory authorities.
In conclusion, the investigation into the use of facial analysis technology in vending machines at the University of Waterloo underscores the importance of privacy compliance and transparency in deploying such technologies, with implications extending beyond the university campus.
