Delivery drivers for Amazon complained on social media about excessive surveillance using artificial intelligence in the company’s vans. Gizmodo reports.
A TikTok user under the handle ambergirts published a video describing the drivers’ situation.
@ambergirts explaining amazon things ✨ have a great day ?? #fyp #trending #amazon #amazondelivery #amazondeliverydriver ♬ original sound — ambergirts
Apparently, drivers are not simply flagged for speeding by six miles per hour. Their profiles are also marked for actions such as not bending down enough or removing one hand from the wheel to drink coffee. The system treats these gestures as a distraction from driving.
“Even touching the central console is forbidden while the vehicle is moving,” the blogger said.
The 360-degree camera with artificial intelligence sits just below the rear-view mirror. It monitors not only the surroundings around the vehicle but also the actions in the cabin.
The front-facing camera detects how close drivers come to other vehicles and whether they come to a complete stop at Stop signs.
According to the report for 2021, the system not only monitors couriers but also determines their pay. Some violations are punished particularly harshly. For example, a penalty for running a stop sign is ten times higher than for minor violations.
In an internal Amazon video about the Netradyne AI monitoring technology, it notes that it does not have the ability to track audio or video streams in real time. However, the system constantly issues notifications if drivers do not follow safety protocols.
According to the blogger, every Amazon driver ‘largely hates’ the camera system. She described how one colleague was flagged for reaching to scratch his beard.
The system identified the gesture as a phone call. As a result, the driver managed to challenge the AI’s decision.
The courier noted that she understands the motives for installing the cameras. However, in her view, the system is still ‘overwhelming’.
An Amazon spokesperson, Steve Kelly, refuted the use of the technology for ‘anything other than’ ensuring the safety of drivers and the communities to which deliveries are made.
“Since we began using them, we have seen a 35% reduction in collisions, as well as reductions in distracted driving, speeding, traffic violations, and the number of unbelted drivers,” he said.
At the same time, the company says it does not encourage drivers to drink water on the move and reminds them of the possibility of challenging any violation recorded by a camera.
According to the company, Amazon began equipping last-mile delivery vehicles with cameras in 2020. It is expected they will be installed in all vehicles by April 2023.
Earlier, in June 2021, Amazon was accused of using algorithms to fire couriers.