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The discussion surrounding the normalization of surveillance in the workplace continues to evolve. For example, Amazon has introduced cameras and AI into their delivery vans to monitor the driving behavior of delivery drivers, watching and scoring them.
Amazon has a history focusing on delivery speed rather than safety, which has led to crashes and fatalities during delivery runs. The use of independent delivery partners (delivery companies that Amazon hires to deliver packages), has allowed Amazon to skirt responsibility for crashes since the vans, trucks, and drivers were not technically hired directly by Amazon.
The cameras in the vans are designed to detect driving infractions and unsafe driving patterns of the drivers hired by the delivery contractors that Amazon uses in its network. Drivers and the delivery van companies are given scores based on driving behaviors, which can lead to individual drivers being fired or even entire company contracts being canceled.ย
First, Amazon was criticized for not taking safety seriously enough, but when they introduce new safety monitoring technology, then they are criticized for privacy violations. Interesting.
These discussions of safety vs. privacy come at a time where we have seen the introduction of surveillance into many aspects of our lives in the name of safety and security. Last year, in the early stages of Covid-19, I also touched on the introduction of Amazonโs 6 foot, social distance tracking system.
So the question is, what is weighed higher: The privacy of a truck driver or the safety of those on the road with the trucks?
Looking for a new job? Make sure that your resume is AI-friendly before it hits the automated applicant tracking system that many companies use. Read this article on how to present yourself to the AI that will review your next job application.ย
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