Canon smile recognition system criticised as intrusive, manipulative

The introduction of a 'smile recognition' system by Japanese technology company Canon raised complaints of inappropriate surveillance and the manipulation of employee emotions. Canon introduced Ai-powered cameras is using to ensure that only happy employees were permitted to enter or book conference rooms in its corporate offices in China. The technology is part of an “intelligent IT solution” for corporate offices that includes 5 different functional modules, one of which is "smiley face access control" . Canon defended the technology, saying that it was designed to promote a positive atmosphere, and that once people got used to smiling in the office, they would continue to do so, creating a positive and lively atmosphere . However, some workers expressed concerns about the intrusiveness of the technology, and felt Canon was manipulating their emotions. The incident raised concerns about the increasingly pervasive and intrusive nature of workplace technology in China and elsewhere, as well as about the use of AI to manipulate people's emotions. System 🤖 Canon Creative Space Operator: Canon Developer: Canon Country: C hina Sector: Technology Purpose: Encourage workplace productivity Technology: Computer vision; Smile recognition Issue: Privacy/surveillance Resource s 📃 Canon. 佳能发布“佳创空间”智能IT解决方案：“笑脸”助力打造智能生态

Date it happened

2021-06-01

Organisation involved

Canon

This is a record of what was reported, not a finding that anyone broke the law. If it names your organisation and you believe it is wrong, the corrections process is free and open to everyone.