Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way we live and work. AI’s impact on the business world is immense. AI is integral to modern business operations, from automating mundane tasks to providing invaluable insights – and protecting your business’ property. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Businesses are increasingly concerned about the potential biases within AI security systems.
In 2021, Pro-Vigil conducted a poll for business owners who used AI security camera systems. We found that our audience wasn’t aware of potential bias in AI or worried about these biases cropping up in their video surveillance tools. It wasn’t an issue as long as their AI security system worked to deter crime.
But a new poll in 2023 showed attitudes toward biases in AI video surveillance systems are changing. What is bias in AI and why should you care?
What is Bias in AI Security?
The software within your AI security camera can be biased in several ways:
AI is nothing more than computer algorithms programmed by humans. As a result, human biases can also be programmed into your AI security camera. If not accounted for, both conscious and inadvertent biases can have serious consequences for your business.
Why Bias in AI Security Systems Is a Concern for Business Owners
There are several reasons why business owners are increasingly concerned about the biases that exist within AI security systems. One of the main reasons is the potential financial impact. If an AI security system is biased and makes incorrect decisions, it can lead to financial losses for the business. If a biased AI system wrongly identifies a legitimate customer as a criminal, the business may lose any potential future revenue not just from that client, but from other customers who see this as a form of discrimination.
Business owners are, after all, rightly concerned about reputational damage. A business using biased AI security systems can damage the public’s perception of your company. This perception can lead to negative publicity and ultimately harm the business’s bottom line.
Finally, there is a growing concern about the legal implications of biased AI security systems. If a business uses a biased AI security system discriminating against certain groups, it could lead to legal action and potential fines or sanctions.
Should You Worry About AI Security Camera Bias?
Evidence shows that business owners are more aware of the potential for bias in AI platforms.
In Pro-Vigil’s recent poll of AI security system users, 74% say they are bothered by the potential for bias
But how can these businesses protect themselves from discrimination programmed into the video security system they use every day? Here are some options:
Pro-Vigil offers our customers the best in video surveillance technology. Talk with our team today about an AI security camera system appropriate for your business goals.
Q&A
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the field of video surveillance. Today’s cameras offer real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and automated camera responses. These AI features help us improve public safety and security. However, there are also concerns about privacy and the misuse of these tools. Striking a balance between security and individual rights in the future is key to using AI software.
An AI security camera can be biased if its underlying algorithms and data sets are not diverse and representative enough. If the camera is only programmed for specific demographics, it may not accurately identify individuals outside those categories. If the underlying data is skewed toward certain behaviors, it can lead to bias.
