Amazon: Using surveillance cameras against speeders

Amazon: Using surveillance cameras against speeders

New York, 8/3/2021

Five senators have called on Jeff Bezos and Amazon to provide additional information about the company’s recent use of surveillance cameras in delivery vehicles. Amazon has placed artificial intelligence-equipped cameras in delivery trucks that can track safety violations such as speeding or reckless driving. The cameras are on „100% of the time“ and capture the road, the driver and both sides of the vehicle.

In a letter, Sens. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) praised Amazon for taking steps to improve driver safety.

However, the senators said they were „concerned that adding more surveillance tools and controls could increase dangers on America’s roads, put pressure on drivers and violate individuals‘ privacy rights.“

Lawmakers expressed concern that AI technology could be biased against women and people of color.

They want to know how Amazon will store the data, which third parties will have access to it and whether the video will affect the company’s disciplinary system.

Last month, Amazon said the video could be used for hiring decisions, and drivers have said they could face disciplinary action if they commit an infraction.

Amazon also requires drivers to download an app called „Mentor“ that tracks their driving behavior.