Concerns regarding the privacy of Amazon delivery drivers have arisen as videos from in-van surveillance cameras have been leaked online.
On Reddit, a video recorded on a phone allegedly shows a young female driver greeting a dog that hops into her van. Rather than being seen as a heartwarming video, the comments of unseen individuals watching the recording make it take on a sinister tone.
Commenters on Reddit have expressed their worry about the leaked video, noting that the driver is likely unaware that her interaction with the dog is being scrutinized by her colleagues.
This disturbing leak has led some to refer to the use of surveillance cameras by Amazon as “dystopian” and cause for concern.
Notably, this is not the first time such in-van surveillance videos have appeared on the internet.
Another video titled “Bruh!!! Stop sign infraction how???” was also posted on the subreddit. How these videos were accessed remains unclear.
According to Vice, Amazon uses cameras from a company called Netradyne Driver-i, equipped with artificial intelligence technology.
These cameras monitor various aspects of the drivers’ behavior on the road, including speed, location, and actions. This can range from not wearing a seatbelt to texting while driving.
Amazon requires drivers to sign consent forms allowing the collection of their biometric data by the cameras. However, Vice reports that these cameras may have inaccuracies.
Amazon spokesperson, Simone Griffin, states that the intention behind using Netradyne cameras is to ensure the safety of drivers and the communities they deliver to.
Cam footage is uploaded automatically onto the Netradyne portal in the event of a safety incident, to be viewed by delivery service partners.
It is, however, a violation of program policies to share the content externally due to privacy concerns.