Lawsuit challenges Uber's facial recognition ID verification

In a legal action, the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain and the App Drivers and Couriers Union claim that Uber's use of facial recognition software for its Real-Time ID Check to verify the identity of drivers is discriminatory because facial recognition software is known to be less accurate at identifying people with darker skin. The action was brought on behalf of two drivers whose accounts were terminated following errors made by the Microsoft-supposed facial recognition software. The company says failed automated checks are reviewed by humans. The East London Employment Tribunal refused Uber's application to have the discrimination claim struck out, paving the way to a full hearing.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-58831373

https://www.adcu.org.uk/news-posts/uber-facial-recognition-discrimination

Publication: BBC; ADCU

Publication date: 2021-10-08; unknown

Writer: Chris Vallance; ADCU