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Technology Stocks : Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN)

AMZN 244.41

+0.6%

Nov 7 9:30 AM EST

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From: Zen Dollar Round	9/21/2021 5:48:52 PM
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Amazon’s AI is forcing delivery drivers to make dangerous decisions Anatomy of an evil empire Amazon delivery drivers were involved in at least 60 accidents resulting in 13 deaths between 2015 and 2019. And that was before drivers were being forced to make dangerous decisions by in-vehicle AI cameras and crappy algorithms. Up front: Motherboard ran a horrific article (great reporting, horrifying topic) about Amazon‘s third-party driver surveillance system. Amazon delivery drivers were involved in at least 60 accidents resulting in 13 deaths between 2015 and 2019. And that was before drivers were being forced to make dangerous decisions by in-vehicle AI cameras and crappy algorithms. Up front: Motherboard ran a horrific article (great reporting, horrifying topic) about Amazon‘s third-party driver surveillance system. The skinny is that thousands of drivers across the US are being monitored by AI systems that actively watch drivers and their surroundings for “events” that trigger negative feedback for the driver. I’m being careful with how I word this because Amazon wants journalists like me to say that these systems are designed to make deliveries safer. But Amazon‘s clearly instituted these systems to cut liability and pay delivery service partners (DSPs) less. And there doesn’t appear to be any evidence that such systems make deliveries safer. It actually looks as though they’re distracting drivers and causing them to make erratic, dangerous decisions. Background: AI is really, really stupid. I cannot express how wrong the general public is about what “they can do with AI these days.” But that’s not stopping Amazon from misleading people and its partners about the systems’ capability. Per the aforementioned Motherboard article: “The Netradyne cameras that Amazon installed in our vans have been nothing but a nightmare,” a former Amazon delivery driver in Mobile, Alabama told Motherboard. “They watch every move we make. I have been ‘dinged’ for following too close when someone cuts me off. If I look into my mirrors to make sure I am safe to change lanes, it dings me for distraction because my face is turned to look into my mirror. I personally did not feel any more safe with a camera watching my every move.” It’s easy to get lost in the individual morality surrounding this issue, but the big picture effects us all. After all, there are no long term studies on the effects of constant surveillance on drivers. Even if we imagine a world where AI doesn’t make mistakes, there are considerations beyond just driving safely to care about. What effects will these systems have on driver stress levels? Numerous employees interviewed by Motherboard expressed anxiety over the constant “dinging” from the system. And this system is far from perfect. Drivers report being dinged for glancing at their side mirrors – something that’s necessary for safe driving. This means drivers have to make a choice between driving safely and earning their full paychecks and bonuses. That’s a tough position to put people in. And the safety benefits Amazon touts? There’s no evidence that this system makes drivers safer. More at: thenextweb.com

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