Specifically, the tech giants are accused of using the faces of Tim Janecyk and Steven Vance to help train their facial recognition technology. While the technology is wonderful, it does not create itself. To ensure high quality facial recognition capabilities, companies must use real people’s faces to train the AI. This has stirred controversy because tech companies use faces from public images on the web.
Accusation
“Defendant Microsoft never advised or informed Plaintiff Vance or his legal authorized representative in writing: (a) that it collected, stored and used Plaintiff Vance’s biometric identifiers and information; or (b) of the specific purpose and length of term for which Plaintiff Vance’s biometric identifiers and information were being collected, stored and used,” the lawsuit against Microsoft reads. “Defendant Microsoft violated BIPA by collecting and obtaining individuals’ biometric identifiers and information, including the biometric identifiers and information of Plaintiffs and Class Members, without providing the requisite written information and without obtaining the requisite written releases.” So far, Microsoft is the only of the named companies to offer comment on the lawsuit. Redmond says it is looking into the situation and is “taking privacy seriously”.
