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'Facial recognition' error message on vending machine sparks concern at University of Waterloo (kitchener.ctvnews.ca)

submitted 9 months ago by Ninjazzon@infosec.pub to c/privacy@lemmy.ml

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A set of smart vending machines at the University of Waterloo is expected to be removed from campus after students raised privacy concerns about their software.

The machines have M&M artwork on them and sell chocolate and other candy. They are located throughout campus, including in the Modern Languages building and Hagey Hall.

Earlier this month, a student noticed an error message on one of the machines in the Modern Languages building. It appeared to indicate there was a problem with a facial recognition application.

"We wouldn't have known if it weren't for the application error. There's no warning here," said River Stanley, a fourth-year student, who investigated the machines for an article in the university publication, mathNEWS.

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[-] livus@kbin.social 3 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago)

@oxideseven Not offhand as it's more something I know from experience but here are some news reports on it from my part of the world:

Poorer pay more

McDonald's make meals different prices in different areas

And here's a study from the US that found they charge Black neighbourhoods more.

Edit: looks like chain stores do it with fresh fruit and vegetables too.

[-] oxideseven@lemmy.ca 1 points 9 months ago

Thanks! This is some wild stuff.

this post was submitted on 23 Feb 2024

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