Amazon-powered AI cameras are now being used to monitor and analyse passengers’ emotions at UK train stations.
This initiative, trialled over the past two years, aims to enhance passenger safety and improve customer service, but has raised significant privacy concerns.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon AI cameras trialled in eight UK train stations.
- Cameras analyse emotions, age, and gender of passengers.
- Initiative aims to improve safety and customer service.
- Privacy concerns raised by civil liberties groups.
- Network Rail denies emotion analysis but confirms demographic data collection.
The Trial and Its Objectives
Amazon-powered AI cameras have been installed in eight train stations across the UK, including major hubs like London’s Euston and Waterloo, as well as smaller stations. The trial, which began in 2022, uses a combination of “smart” CCTV cameras and older cameras connected to cloud-based analysis software. The primary goal is to enhance passenger safety and improve customer service by detecting emotions, age, and gender.
The AI cameras, integrated with Amazon’s advanced machine learning algorithms, are designed to interpret facial expressions and other non-verbal cues. This allows the system to identify passengers who may be distressed or agitated, potentially enabling officers to preempt conflicts or emergencies.
Privacy Concerns and Controversy
The use of emotion recognition technology has sparked significant controversy. Civil liberties group Big Brother Watch revealed the details of the trial through a freedom of information request. They criticised the lack of transparency and the questionable reliability of emotion recognition technology.
Jake Hurfurt, head of research and investigations at Big Brother Watch, expressed alarm over the use of AI surveillance without public awareness. He stated, “Network Rail had no right to deploy discredited emotion recognition technology against unwitting commuters at some of Britain’s biggest stations.”
Experts like Professor Lilian Edwards from Newcastle University and Professor Sandra Wachter from Oxford University have also condemned the use of emotion recognition as unethical and potentially illegal. They highlighted the technology’s unproven nature and potential for bias based on gender and ethnicity.
Network Rail’s Response
Network Rail has defended its actions by emphasising its commitment to security. A spokesperson stated, “We take the security of the rail network extremely seriously and use a range of advanced technologies across our stations to protect passengers, our colleagues, and the railway infrastructure from crime and other threats.”
However, Network Rail has denied that any analysis of emotions took place. They confirmed that the system did send images for analysis by Amazon Rekognition software to record demographic details, such as a passenger’s gender and age range, but stated that this part of the programme has ended.
Future Implications
The trial also explored other applications of AI technology, such as detecting trespassing on tracks, predicting platform overcrowding, and gauging antisocial behaviour. The London Underground completed a proof of concept for an AI-assisted “Smart Station” designed to provide video analytics and real-time data insights on passenger behaviour.
While the AI trial continues, the part analysing emotions and demographics has ended. The final report from the pilot outlines design principles for future iterations of the system and defines various use cases and triggers, such as counting customer entries and exits, and generating real-time alerts for behaviours like fare evasion and leaning over the tracks.
Conclusion
The trial of Amazon-powered AI cameras in UK train stations has highlighted the potential benefits and significant privacy concerns associated with emotion recognition technology. While the initiative aims to enhance safety and customer service, the lack of transparency and potential for misuse have raised ethical and legal questions that need to be addressed.
Sources
- UK train stations trial Amazon emotion recognition on passengers | Biometric Update, Biometric Update.
- Hidden AI cameras recorded train passengers' emotions, DIGIT.FYI.
- Wired - UK train stations trialled Amazon emotion detection that could feed you adverts — Big Brother Watch, Big Brother Watch.
- Network Rail denies using AI cameras to detect passengers’ emotions | Shropshire Star, Shropshire Star.
- Network Rail used AI cameras to detect passengers’ emotions without them knowing | Express & Star, Express & Star.
