What you need to know
- Google is under scrutiny over tactics taken by its contractors during field research for the facial scan technology in the Pixel 4.
- The most alarming of the revelations included that contractors were told to target dark-skinned and homeless people.
- Google has now suspended the research and begun an investigation.
On October 4, we reported on how Google contractors had been using some questionable tactics during field research for the testing of the facial scan technology to be used in Google's new Pixel 4 smartphone. As part of the research, employees from Randstad were sent out into the field to collect facial scans of people on the street in exchange for $5.
However, according to interviews with the employees conducted by the New York Daily News, some contractors were encouraged to target dark-skinned and homeless people. The reasons for this were because the homeless would be less likely to speak to the media and could be enticed by $5 gift cards, as well as to ensure the accuracy of the technology on darker skin tones.
Since the article came out, it has caused some controversy in the cities where the research took place, such as Atlanta, where city attorney Nina Hickson wrote a scathing email asking Google for an explanation.
The possibility that members of our most vulnerable populations are being exploited to advance your company's commercial interest is profoundly alarming for numerous reasons.
If some or all of the reporting was accurate, we would welcome your response as what corrective action has been and will be taken.
As a result, Google has decided to suspend the program and has opened an investigation calling the details in the article "very disturbing."
Speaking with The Verge, Google says, "it made sure to provide directions to its researchers to be transparent with people they approached for a facial scan", which means the shady tactics most likely originated from Randstad and not from Google.
That's further backed up by the unnamed employee stating that there was no Google manager present in Atlanta where they were told to focus on black and homeless people. The statement from Google in response reads:
We're taking these claims seriously and investigating them. The allegations regarding truthfulness and consent are in violation of our requirements for volunteer research studies and the training that we provided.
Even though Google has pressed pause on the research, it hasn't said it won't continue in the future and it still continues to pay its contractors in the meantime.
Google Pixel 4: Leaks, Release Date, Specs, and News!
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro review: The new best
Samsung's aiming squarely at the AirPods Pro with the new Galaxy Buds Pro, but it's done something better: it's made one of the best-sounding wireless earbuds you can buy.

Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro review: Sounds about right
Soundcore isn't a household brand just yet, but Anker's headphone division is making a name for itself as the producer of the best-sounding true wireless earbuds under $150.

Did you pre-order the Galaxy S21?
Pre-orders for the Galaxy S21 are open right now! Did you pre-order the phone already or plan on doing so soon?

These are the best Samsung Galaxy S21+ cases you can buy
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ is sure to hit that sweet spot of price and functionality, and it looks to be the most popular phone in the S21 lineup. Why not protect your new phone with one of the best Samsung Galaxy S21+ cases?