Amazon Rekognition Quietly Scanned Thousands of UK Train Travelers: Report

Thousands of train travelers in the UK had their faces scanned by Amazon’s AI software during widespread trials over the past two years, according to a Wired investigation. The computer vision system was tested at eight train stations, including major hubs like London Euston and Manchester Piccadilly.

It aimed to predict travelers’ age, gender, and emotions, potentially for future advertising use. The trials also focused on safety, detecting trespassers, monitoring platform crowding, identifying antisocial behavior, and spotting potential bike thieves. The trials also featured wireless sensors to detect environmental issues like slippery floors and overflowing bins.

The AI surveillance trials, overseen by Network Rail, included a mix of “smart” CCTV cameras and older cameras connected to cloud-based analysis. Documents from April 2023 showed the deployment of five to seven cameras or sensors at each station. Despite listing 50 potential AI applications, not all were used.

Civil liberties group Big Brother Watch, which obtained the documents through a freedom of information request, expressed concerns over the lack of public consultation. Jake Hurfurt, the group’s head of research, highlighted the use of AI to analyze passenger demographics, including emotions like happiness or anger. “The rollout and normalization of AI surveillance in these public spaces, without much consultation and conversation, is quite a concerning step,” he said.

Police in the UK have increasingly been deploying facial recognition technology in public spaces, leading to several arrests in recent months.

Source: Wired

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June 19, 2024 – by Cass Kennedy