Search giant Google is offering parents $50 to submit their children’s recognition data as part of a new data collection project.
404 Media reports that the new Google project will include collecting data from children, such as eyelid shape and skin tone
The outlet continued:
The project shows the methods some companies are using to build machine learning, artificial intelligence, or facial recognition datasets and products. Rather than scraping already existing images or analyzing previously collected material, TELUS, and by extension Google, is asking the public to contribute directly and get paid in return. Google told 404 Media the collection was part of the company’s efforts to verify users’ age.
“Eyelid shape. Skin tone. Video recording (without voice),” a section of the project terms and conditions listing the data collected reads.
Another section says that TELUS’ customer—that is, Google—will collect “facial geometry.”
Google will reportedly engage in the data gathering processes and compensate rents for their contributions.
However, Google clarified that this initiative is part of an effort to verify users’ age.
Breitbart reported:
Participants in the project are required to be minors, specifically aged between 13 and 17 years. The process involves taking multiple short videos, each under 40 seconds, with the overall task expected to take 30 to 45 minutes.
The project insists that the filming of children be done on private premises, not in public spaces, and requires parental consent.
TELUS, which also offers facial recognition products, stated that the purpose of this collection is to capture a broad cross-section of participants. This aims to ensure that the services and products derived from this data are representative of a diverse set of end-users. The data collection is intended to improve authentication methods, thereby offering more secure tools for users.
Google claims that the involvement of TELUS is solely for participant identification, with Google directly receiving the recorded videos. The tech giant has highlighted its commitment to age-appropriate experiences and compliance with laws and regulations and also highlighted the implementation of strict privacy protections, including the option for participants to delete their data at any time.
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