Canon‘s Chinese subsidiary Canon Information Technology has reportedly installed cameras using artificial intelligence in its offices across China that recognize smiling faces only. In other words, the camera will only allow workers who put up a smile into the facilities. The camera utilizes AI-enabled “smile recognition” technology in its China offices.
The cameras are installed with the intent of ensuring that all employees are 100 percent happy all the time. Staff will only be allowed into rooms, or book meetings when they put up a smile. However, we doubt if the technology will in any way achieve the purpose for which it was installed. All an unhappy employee has to do is fake a smile to gain the required access.
Last year, China surpassed the United States in the number of artificial intelligence patent filings. Thus, it is no wonder that the Japanese multinational corporation chose China as a testbed for this new technology. The smile recognition technology was first announced last year by the company as a component of its latest workplace management tools. However, it hasn’t gained any traction and we doubt if it will ever gain wide acceptance.
The technology might face stiff hurdles in the U.S and other regions where it might be viewed as an invasion of privacy. Workplace cameras are generally legal if they are installed in a public place and the employees are aware of it. Also, the company will need to show that there is a legitimate need to film under the law in some countries. In this case, we can’t figure out the need that would require a “smile recognition” camera.
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