in 2020 iRobot robot vacuums recorded footage of several users’ intimate moments that ended up on Facebook.to embarrass people. Now, two years later, the company, which was acquired by Amazon for $1.7 billion, has made a statement on the case following the magazine’s investigation. MIT Technology Review.
publication of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) confirmed that the leaked images in the USA were made by the manufacturer. Roomba smart vacuum cleaners. However, the devices in question were test versions with certain “hardware and software changes” and were never offered for sale.
According to the brand, they were part of a program to improve the model’s capabilities. Roomba J7 sent to employees and others who were paid to participate in the tests. The group allowed the use of scenes recorded by the devices’ cameras and were warned to be careful in private situations when using the device.
In addition iRobot He said robot vacuums have a striking, glowing sticker warning that video recording is in progress when turned on. Images used to train AI mechanismsAs the company explains in the article published Monday (19).
Third-party employees leaked footage
images made by iRobot test robot vacuum cleaners was treated by Scale Artificial Intelligence, partner of the brand owned by Amazon. And, as the manufacturer explained, third-party employees hired by the venture would be responsible for leaking photos and videos without permission, sharing files on Facebook, Discord, and other platforms.
Published footage included scenes where a woman uses the toilet while the smart device cleans the bathroom, and rooms with people and pets, as well as children playing in front of the device. Leak leads to cancellation of contract between iRobot and Scale AI.
Source: Tec Mundo
