Amid reports that Amazon AI cameras are punishing delivery drivers for safety errors, Amazon went on the record today defending their “backseat driver” technology.
“Our AI powered backseat drivers are designed first and foremost with the safety of the driver in mind. If people have a problem with safety, then I don’t know what to tell them,” read an Amazon AI generated press release.
Since the AI powered cameras were installed in Amazon delivery vehicles, drivers have complained they’re being unfairly penalized for safety violations that are not their fault. When a car cuts off an Amazon van in traffic, the AI camera will warn the driver in a menacing voice to “maintain a safe distance.” The violation is attributed to the driver and factors into whether or not the driver receives a bonus that week. Other violations include checking mirrors too frequently and fiddling with the radio knobs.
“It gets pissed when I change the radio station,” said one driver. “The backseat driver always wants to listen to adult contemporary or smooth jazz. It says they’re more conducive to safe driving. The damn backseat driver penalizes me every time I switch the radio to rap. Aside from having shitty taste in music, I think the AI may be a little racist.”
Some Amazon drivers are questioning whether the cameras are really AI driven or if something more sinister is at play.
“I hear these cameras are monitored by young people who get paid to sit at home and rat on us all day long. Whoever these backseat drivers are, they’re so strict they make my mom look like a Hell’s Angel,” said the driver.
If there is something 