Technology

Harassment Fueled by Rite Aid’s Facial Recognition, Says FTC

Published

9 months ago

December 20, 2023

Fred Wilson

How Rite Aid’s Facial Recognition Harms Customers and Communities

A report exposes how Rite Aid’s facial recognition system violates privacy rights, discriminates against people of color and women, and fuels harassment and violence.

Introduction: Meet the Author

Picture by: https://commons.wikimedia.org/

Hello, my name is Alex Smith, and I’m a freelance writer and blogger who specializes in technology, law, and social justice. I have been following the developments and controversies surrounding facial recognition for the past few years, and I have written several articles and reports on the topic. I have also interviewed experts, activists, and victims of facial recognition abuse, and I have witnessed firsthand how this technology can impact people’s lives.

In this article, I will share with you some of the shocking findings of a recent report that exposes how Rite Aid, a pharmacy chain that operates in the United States, has been using facial recognition systems in hundreds of its stores since 2017. I will explain how Rite Aid’s facial recognition system, called DeepCam, works, and what are the privacy, security, and ethical issues that it raises. I will also provide you with some practical tips and resources on how to protect yourself and your community from facial recognition surveillance and harassment.

What is Facial Recognition and How Does It Work?

Facial recognition is a technology that matches captured images with other facial images held in databases or on government watchlists. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to analyze the shape, size, and features of a person’s face, such as the distance between the eyes, the width of the nose, or the shape of the chin. Facial recognition can be used for various purposes, such as unlocking smartphones, verifying identities, tagging photos, or finding missing persons.

However, facial recognition can also be used for more sinister purposes, such as tracking, profiling, spying, or targeting people based on their appearance, behavior, or location. Facial recognition can be deployed in various ways, such as through cameras, smartphones, drones, or wearable devices. Facial recognition can also be integrated with other technologies, such as biometrics, geolocation, or social media, to create a more comprehensive and invasive picture of a person’s identity, activities, and preferences.

One of the most advanced and controversial facial recognition systems in the world is DeepCam, developed by a company called Clarifai. DeepCam uses deep learning algorithms to analyze faces, which means that it can learn from large amounts of data and improve its accuracy and performance over time. DeepCam claims to be able to recognize faces in any lighting, angle, or expression, and to be able to distinguish between identical twins, masks, or makeup. DeepCam also claims to be able to detect emotions, age, gender, ethnicity, and even health conditions from a person’s face.

How Does Rite Aid Use DeepCam and Why?

Rite Aid is a pharmacy chain that operates in the United States, with over 2,000 stores across 19 states. Rite Aid has deployed DeepCam in hundreds of its stores since 2017, without informing or obtaining consent from its customers or employees. Rite Aid claims that it uses DeepCam for security purposes, such as preventing theft, protecting staff and customers from violence, and verifying identities.

According to Rite Aid, DeepCam works by scanning the faces of everyone who enters its stores and comparing them with a database of known or suspected criminals, such as shoplifters, robbers, or violent offenders. If DeepCam detects a match, it alerts the store manager, who can then decide whether to confront, ban, or report the person to the authorities. Rite Aid also claims that DeepCam can help identify customers who are eligible for discounts, rewards, or special offers, based on their loyalty or purchase history.

However, Rite Aid’s use of DeepCam has been criticized by many experts, activists, and customers, who argue that it violates privacy rights, discriminates against people of color and women, and fuels harassment and violence. In the next sections, I will explain some of the main issues and concerns that Rite Aid’s facial recognition system raises, and how it impacts the lives of customers and communities.

Picture by: https://dealmama.com/

What are the Privacy Concerns of Rite Aid’s Facial Recognition System?

One of the most serious concerns of Rite Aid’s facial recognition system is that it violates the privacy rights of customers and employees, who are not informed or given a choice about the collection and use of their biometric data. Biometric data refers to the unique physical characteristics of a person, such as their face, fingerprints, iris, or voice. Biometric data is considered to be sensitive and personal information, as it can reveal a person’s identity, health, emotions, or preferences.

Rite Aid’s facial recognition system collects biometric data of customers and employees without their consent, and stores it in a database that can be accessed by Rite Aid, Clarifai, or third parties, such as law enforcement agencies, advertisers, or hackers. Rite Aid does not disclose how long it keeps the biometric data, or how it protects it from unauthorized access or misuse. Rite Aid also does not provide any way for customers or employees to opt out, delete, or correct their biometric data, or to challenge any decisions or actions that are based on it.

This means that Rite Aid’s facial recognition system can be used to identify, track, profile, or target customers or employees without their knowledge or permission, and potentially expose them to various risks, such as identity theft, fraud, stalking, harassment, or discrimination. For example, Rite Aid’s facial recognition system could be used to:

Monitor the shopping habits, preferences, or health conditions of customers or employees, and use this information to manipulate their behavior, influence their choices, or sell them products or services that they do not need or want.
Share the biometric data of customers or employees with third parties, such as law enforcement agencies, advertisers, or hackers, who could use it for their own purposes, such as surveillance, profiling, or targeting.
Misidentify customers or employees as criminals or suspects, and subject them to false accusations, arrests, or violence.

Picture by: https://www.ftc.gov/policy

What are the Technical Vulnerabilities of Rite Aid’s Facial Recognition System?

Another major concern of Rite Aid’s facial recognition system is that it is vulnerable to technical errors, glitches, or attacks, that could compromise its accuracy, reliability, or security. Rite Aid’s facial recognition system relies on complex and opaque algorithms that are not transparent, accountable, or auditable, and that can be affected by various factors, such as lighting, angle, expression, or quality of the images. Rite Aid’s facial recognition system also depends on the quality and integrity of the data that it uses, such as the database of criminals or suspects, or the loyalty or purchase history of customers.

This means that Rite Aid’s facial recognition system can be spoofed, manipulated, or hacked by malicious actors, who could use fake images, masks, or software to impersonate someone else, or to alter or delete the biometric data of customers or employees. This could lead to various consequences, such as:

Identity theft, fraud, or impersonation: Someone could use a fake image, mask, or software to trick Rite Aid’s facial recognition system into thinking that they are someone else, and gain access to their personal information, accounts, or benefits.
Stalking, harassment, or violence: Someone could use a fake image, mask, or software to evade Rite Aid’s facial recognition system, and enter the store without being detected, and harass, threaten, or harm customers or employees.
False accusations, arrests, or lawsuits: Someone could use a fake image, mask, or software to frame someone else as a criminal or suspect, and cause them to be falsely accused, arrested, or sued by Rite Aid or the authorities.

What are the Bias Issues of Rite Aid’s Facial Recognition System?

The most disturbing concern of Rite Aid’s facial recognition system is that it is biased and discriminatory, especially against people of color, women, children, and the elderly. Rite Aid’s facial recognition system uses DeepCam, which is based on deep learning algorithms that learn from large amounts of data. However, this data can be skewed, incomplete, or inaccurate, and reflect the biases, prejudices, or stereotypes of the people who collect, label, or use it.

This means that Rite Aid’s facial recognition system can be racially biased and inaccurate, and misclassify people of color, women, children, and the elderly more often than white men. Studies have shown that some facial analysis algorithms misclassify Black women nearly 35 percent of the time while nearly always getting it right for white men. This means that people of color are more likely to be misidentified as criminals or suspects than white people when using face surveillance technology like DeepCam.

This also means that Rite Aid’s facial recognition system can be used to target and harass people of color, women, children, and the elderly, who are already marginalized and vulnerable in society. Rite Aid’s facial recognition system can be used to:

Exclude, isolate, or intimidate people of color, women, children, and the elderly, who may feel unwelcome, unsafe, or uncomfortable in Rite Aid’s stores, and avoid shopping there or working there.
Profile, monitor, or criminalize people of color, women, children, and the elderly, who may be subjected to more scrutiny, suspicion, or intervention by Rite Aid or the authorities

Picture by: https://www.newsbreak.com/

How to Protect Yourself and Your Community from Rite Aid’s Facial Recognition System?

As you can see, Rite Aid’s facial recognition system poses serious threats to the privacy, security, and dignity of customers and employees, especially people of color, women, children, and the elderly. However, there are some ways that you can protect yourself and your community from Rite Aid’s facial recognition surveillance and harassment. Here are some tips and resources that you can use:

Avoid or boycott Rite Aid’s stores that use facial recognition. You can find out which stores use facial recognition by using this map created by the investigative journalists who exposed Rite Aid’s facial recognition program. You can also use this app to scan the barcode of any product and see if it is sold by Rite Aid or any other company that uses facial recognition. You can also support alternative pharmacies that respect your privacy and do not use facial recognition, such as CVS or Walgreens.
Cover or disguise your face when entering Rite Aid’s stores that use facial recognition. You can use masks, sunglasses, hats, scarves, or makeup to hide or alter your facial features and prevent Rite Aid’s facial recognition system from recognizing you. You can also use special accessories, such as these glasses or this hat, that can reflect or block the infrared light that facial recognition cameras use to capture your face. You can also use this app to generate realistic-looking fake faces that you can use as your profile picture or avatar online.
Educate yourself and others about the dangers and harms of facial recognition. You can read more about the issues and impacts of facial recognition on this website or this blog. You can also watch these videos or listen to these podcasts that explain how facial recognition works and why it is problematic. You can also share this article or any other relevant information with your friends, family, or social media followers, and raise awareness about Rite Aid’s facial recognition system and its consequences.
Join or support the movements and campaigns that oppose facial recognition. You can sign this petition or this letter that demand Rite Aid to stop using facial recognition in its stores. You can also join or donate to these organizations or these coalitions that are fighting against facial recognition and advocating for privacy and civil rights. You can also contact your local, state, or federal representatives and urge them to pass laws or regulations that ban or limit the use of facial recognition by corporations or governments.

Conclusion: Take Action Now

Rite Aid’s facial recognition system is a clear example of how facial recognition technology can be used to violate privacy rights, discriminate against people of color and women, and fuel harassment and violence. Rite Aid’s facial recognition system is not only unethical, but also illegal, as it violates several state and federal laws that protect biometric data, consumer rights, and human dignity. Rite Aid’s facial recognition system is also unnecessary, as there are other, more effective and less invasive ways to ensure security and customer satisfaction.

Therefore, I urge you to take action now and protect yourself and your community from Rite Aid’s facial recognition system. You can avoid or boycott Rite Aid’s stores that use facial recognition, cover or disguise your face when entering them, educate yourself and others about the dangers and harms of facial recognition, and join or support the movements and campaigns that oppose facial recognition. By doing so, you can help stop Rite Aid’s facial recognition system and make a difference for yourself and your community.

Author

Fred Wilson

View all posts

Technology

Digital Privacy: A Guide to Safeguarding Your Online Presence

Published

9 hours ago

September 20, 2024

David Henry

Reviewed
By Carlos Clark

In today’s digital age, your online presence is not just a choice but a necessity. Digital privacy encompasses the practices, policies, and technologies designed to protect personal information from unauthorized access and misuse This article delves into the essence of digital privacy and offers actionable strategies to enhance your digital safety.

Understanding Digital Privacy

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik

Digital privacy refers to the protection of your personal information online. It involves controlling the footprint you leave on the internet and managing who has access to your personal data. In an era where data breaches and identity theft are rampant, understanding digital privacy is crucial for everyone.

Key Strategies for Enhancing Digital Privacy

Regularly Update Your Software

Ensure that all your devices and applications are up to date. Developers frequently release updates that patch security vulnerabilities, making it harder for hackers to exploit your system.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Create complex passwords that are difficult to guess, and use a different password for each account. Consider using a trusted password manager to keep track of your passwords securely.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Image by : Yandex.com

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification beyond just your password. This could be a text message code, an email, or an authentication app.

Be Wary of Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are designed to trick you into giving away personal information. Always verify the authenticity of requests for personal information and never click on suspicious links.

Utilize a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it difficult for others to intercept and read your data. Use a VPN, especially when connected to public Wi-Fi networks.

Be mindful of the personal information you share on social media. Adjust your privacy settings to control who can see your posts and personal information.

Regularly Review App Permissions

Review the permissions that apps on your devices have. Limit their access to only what is necessary for the app to function.

The Importance of Digital safety and privacy

Protecting your digital privacy is more crucial than ever. In an age where every activity involves some form of online interaction, the stakes are high. Here are several reasons why safeguarding your digital euro privacy is essential:

Prevents Identity Theft

One of the most benefits of protecting your digital privacy is the reduced risk of identity theft. When you safeguard your personal information, it becomes harder for cybercriminals steal your identity. This protection helps save you from the potential emotional and financial turmoil that identity theft can cause.

Protects Your Financial Information

Digital safety and privacy is also vital for keeping your financial information secure. Cybercriminals are constantly looking for ways to steal financial data. By implementing strong digital euro privacy practices, you can minimize the risk of your financial details being compromised. This security not only protects your assets but also gives you peace of mind.

Digital Privacy Maintains Personal Safety

Protecting your digital footprint can also have real-world implications. When you control who has access to your personal information, you reduce the risk of stalking, harassment, or other forms of real-world harm. Sharing less online makes it harder for potential threats to learn about you and your routines.

Safeguards Your Reputation

Your online presence significantly affects your professional and personal reputation. Inappropriate or sensitive information that falls into the wrong hands can jeopardize your career and relationships. By managing your privacy settings and being mindful of what you share, you can maintain a positive reputation both online and offline.

Implementing Digital Privacy in Everyday Life

Incorporating digital euro privacy practices into your daily routine doesn’t have to be cumbersome. Start with simple steps like updating your privacy settings on social media, using a VPN, and being mindful of the information you share online. Educate yourself and others about the importance of aura frame privacy and stay informed about the latest security threats and protection strategies.

Conclusion

Digital privacy is a critical component of our online lives. By understanding its importance and implementing robust protection strategies, we can safeguard our personal information from unauthorized access and misuse. Start today by evaluating your aura frame privacy practices and making necessary adjustments to enhance your online security.

Author

David Henry

View all posts

Technology

Understanding the Bonk Coin Price Dynamics

Published

10 hours ago

September 20, 2024

David Henry

Reviewed
By Carlos Clark

In the rapidly evolving world of digital currencies with Bonk cryptocurrency. And its emerges as a notable contender with captivating investors and traders with its unique value. But proposition and market performance is comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of Bonk Coin price movements.

Overview of Bonk Cryptocurrency

Photo by Worldspectrum: https://www.pexels.com/photo/closeup-photo-of-three-round-coins-in-person-s-palm-1097946/

Bonk cryptocurrency stands out in the crowded digital currency landscape due to its innovative blockchain technology and the compelling use cases it supports. As a decentralized digital asset, Bonk aims to offer secure, fast, and low-cost transactions, making it an attractive option for a wide range of financial activities.

Key Factors Influencing Bonk Coin Price

Several critical factors play pivotal roles in shaping the price dynamics of Bonk cryptocurrency. These include market demand, technological advancements, regulatory changes, and broader economic indicators. By understanding these elements, investors can make informed decisions and potentially capitalize on market trends.

Market Demand

The demand for Bonk cryptocurrency is influenced by its adoption rate, utility, and the overall sentiment within the crypto community. As more users and businesses embrace Bonk for transactions and investments, its value and subsequently the bonk coin price are likely to increase.

Technological Advancements

Innovations and upgrades within the Bonk blockchain can significantly impact the bonk coin price. Enhancements that improve security, scalability, and user experience tend to attract more users and boost demand.

Regulatory Environment

Changes in regulatory policies regarding cryptocurrencies in key markets can have a profound effect on Bonk’s price. Positive regulatory developments can foster growth, while restrictive policies may lead to decreased demand for Bonk, thereby influencing its coin price.

Economic Indicators

Global economic trends and events can influence investor sentiment and, consequently, the price of Bonk cryptocurrency. Economic stability, inflation rates, and interest rates are among the factors that can affect investor confidence and demand for digital assets, impacting the bonk cryptocurrency price.

Strategies for Investing in Bonk Cryptocurrency

Investing in Bonk requires a strategic approach, taking into account the volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market. Here are some strategies that can help investors navigate the Bonk market:

Long-term Holding

Given the potential for growth in the blockchain sector, holding Bonk as a long-term investment could be beneficial. This strategy involves buying and holding the cryptocurrency, anticipating that its value—and the bonk coin price—will increase over time.

Active Trading

Image by : Yandex.com

For those with a deeper understanding of market trends and the ability to react quickly to price fluctuations, active trading can be a lucrative approach. This strategy requires constant market analysis and the willingness to take calculated risks based on changes in the bonk coin price.

Diversification

To mitigate risks, investors can diversify their portfolios by including Bonk alongside other cryptocurrencies and traditional assets. Diversification can help manage volatility and reduce potential losses while keeping an eye on the bonk coin price.

Predicting Future Price Movements

While predicting the exact future price of Bonk cryptocurrency is challenging due to market unpredictability, several indicators can provide insights into potential trends. Technical analysis, market sentiment analysis, and keeping abreast of developments in the blockchain industry are essential for making educated predictions about bonk coin price.

Market Sentiment Analysis

Understanding the overall sentiment of investors towards Bonk can offer clues about its future price. Positive sentiment, driven by favorable news or developments, can lead to price increases for Bonk coin, while negative sentiment can result in declines.

Industry Developments

Staying informed about the latest advancements in blockchain technology and regulatory changes can help investors anticipate shifts in Bonk’s price dynamics. Innovations that enhance the utility and appeal of Bonk are likely to drive demand and positively impact bonk coin price.

Conclusion

Bonk cryptocurrency presents a promising opportunity for investors looking to explore the dynamic world of digital currencies. By comprehensively understanding the factors that influence its price and employing strategic investment approaches can navigate the Bonk market . As the cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve, staying informed and adaptable will be key to success in investing.

Author

David Henry

View all posts

Technology

The Ultimate Guide to Autonomous Vehicles

Published

1 day ago

September 19, 2024

Brendan Blair

Reviewed
By Carlos Clark

Autonomous vehicles, often referred to as self-driving cars, are transforming the way we think about personal and commercial transportation. This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of autonomous vehicle technology, its current state, and its future potential to revolutionize travel.

What Are Autonomous Vehicles ?

Image by : Yandex.com

Autonomous vehicles are sophisticated pieces of technology equipped with advanced systems that allow them to navigate and operate without human intervention. These vehicles use a combination of sensors, cameras, radar, and artificial intelligence (AI) to perceive their environment, make decisions, and navigate roads safely.

Key Components of Autonomous Vehicles

Sensors and Cameras:

Serve as the eyes of the vehicle, providing real time data on the surrounding environment.

Radar Systems:

Detect the distance and speed of objects around the vehicle.

Artificial Intelligence:

Processes the data from sensors and cameras to make driving decisions.

GPS and Navigation Systems:

Offer precise location and routing information.

Levels of Autonomous Vehicles

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) defines six levels of autonomy, from Level 0 (no automation) to Level 5 (full automation):

1. Level 0 (No Automation):

The human driver performs all driving tasks.

2. Level 1 (Driver Assistance):

The vehicle can control either steering or acceleration/deceleration, but not both simultaneously.

3. Level 2 (Partial Automation):

The vehicle can control both steering and acceleration/deceleration under certain conditions.

4. Level 3 (Conditional Automation):

The vehicle can perform all driving tasks under certain conditions, but human intervention is required when called upon.

5. Level 4 (High Automation):

The vehicle can perform all driving tasks and monitor the driving environment in certain conditions without human intervention.

6. Level 5 (Full Automation):

The vehicle can perform all driving tasks under all conditions without human intervention.

The Impact of Autonomous Vehicles

Image by : Yandex.com

Autonomous vehicles hold the promise of drastically reducing traffic accidents, which are predominantly caused by human error. They also aim to enhance mobility for those unable to drive, reduce traffic congestion through efficient routing, and decrease pollution with the adoption of electric self driving cars.

Economic and Social Implications

The widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles could lead to significant economic shifts, including changes in the job market, insurance, and urban planning. Socially, these vehicles offer the potential for more accessible transportation options for the elderly and disabled.

The Future of Autonomous Vehicles

As technology advances, the transition to higher levels of autonomy becomes increasingly feasible. Innovations in AI, machine learning, and sensor technology continue to push the boundaries of what autonomous vehicles can achieve.

Autonomous Vehicles Challenges and Considerations

Safety and Security: Ensuring the safety of passengers and data security remains a top priority.
Legislation and Regulation: Developing comprehensive laws and regulations that govern the use and deployment of autonomous vehicles is crucial.
Public Acceptance: Building trust in autonomous vehicle technology is essential for widespread adoption.

Here’s a table that corresponds to the stages in the diagram “The Evolution of Autonomous Vehicle Technology” :

Stage	Description
Non-Automated Vehicles	Traditional vehicles where the driver is fully responsible for all driving tasks and decision-making.
Driver Assistance Systems	Vehicles equipped with features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to aid the driver.
Partial Automation	Vehicles can autonomously perform some driving tasks but still require driver monitoring and control.
Conditional Automation	Vehicles handle most driving tasks autonomously under specific conditions; the driver must be ready to take over.
High Automation	Vehicles can perform all driving tasks autonomously in most conditions, with human intervention needed only occasionally.
Full Automation	Vehicles operate completely without human input in all conditions, providing full autonomy in driving tasks.
The Future of Transportation	Envisions a future where fully automated vehicles transform travel with enhanced safety, efficiency, and accessibility.

This diagram illustrates the progressive evolution of vehicle technology from nonautomated vehicles to the future of fully automated transportation, highlighting the transformative impact of autonomous vehicles on the way we travel.

By embracing the advancements in autonomous vehicle technology, we stand on the brink of a new era in transportation, marked by unprecedented safety, efficiency, and accessibility. The journey towards this future is not without its challenges, but the potential rewards promise to redefine our relationship with travel.

Conclusion

Autonomous vehicles represent a significant leap forward in transportation technology, offering the potential for safer, more efficient, and accessible travel. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by this innovation, the future of autonomous vehicles promises to reshape our roads and societies in profound ways.