Zoom, a video conferencing app, has introduced cartoon avatars for users that can mimic an individual’s facial and body movements.
The feature is only available to beta testers with paid Zoom accounts.
With time, the platform will reveal more information about the avatars. Zoom, on the other hand, has made a case for informal meetings by introducing the new feature, ensuring the presence of users without them showing their natural faces or bodies.
The app previously introduced animal avatars for users, as well as multiple template formats to ensure a better screen view. However, all of the updates are primarily available to paid accounts.
Fight for the Future, together with 27 other human rights organizations, has written a letter to Zoom, requesting that it cease developing emotion monitoring software.
Emotion monitoring software employs artificial intelligence to track a person’s emotional and facial responses during a video chat. “…intrusive technology… [and] a breach of privacy and human rights,” the letter says.
The five primary reasons why Fight for the Future and other groups are worried are discussed. They argue that it is a security concern, as well as discriminatory, manipulative, and based on pseudoscience, as well as a means of revenge.
One objective of emotional monitoring software, according to Protocol, is to offer statistics to a sales team on whether or not their pitch is successful for their customer.
A team may adapt their plan on the go if they know a client’s “emotional state.” Another goal is to monitor students’ emotional states, determine their level of engagement, and utilize that information to improve online courses.
They’re also worried about firms spying on consumers in order to influence them or penalize them for displaying “negative feelings.”
To read our blog on “Zoom’s emotion monitoring abilities aren’t for everyone,” click here
