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500k facial scans at UK stations yield no arrests, 1 false positive

518 points · 305 comments · ilamont

  1. benbristow · · focus · HN ↗
    I've had an idea in the back of my head but I'm no businessman so have this one for free.

    Build an AI model, train it from the catalogues of JD Sports and Sports Direct (and other brands like Stone Island etc.) and how to detect balaclavas, illegal electric bikes and e-scooters. Have it link to cameras and do a percentage chance using machine learning on chance of crime. Also increase the percentage if a 'wheely' is done (riding only on back wheel).

    Would minority report the majority of crime in this country in one fell swoop.

    Could call it ScroteScanner.

    Some would call it discrimination but the majority of ASB I see around my area are people dressed/using those exact things.

    If they start to catch-on (unlikely) then worse case we have a fancier looking society with gangsters in suits again.

    1. Waterluvian · · focus · HN ↗
      They should just round up and imprison all the people who walk in my neighbourhood.

      Some would call it discrimination but the majority of people who commit crimes in my area are people who can walk. I rarely see the wheelchair crowd pulling off B&Es.

      Oh, or people who wear clothes. Criminals seem to like wearing clothes. Point proven: you never see nudists shoplifting Old Navy.

      1. benbristow · · focus · HN ↗
        People on illegal escooters or illegal electric bikes are already committing crimes, there's rarely a decent reason to be wearing a balaclava in the city.

        As I said, machine learning to take all these pointers into perspective.

        1. someonebaggy · · focus · HN ↗
          Is arresting someone for (what fact about?) their scooter actually making society better?

          Comments like these reinforce my belief that the UK is a panopticon because UK residents sincerely want one and not because the government is corrupt.

          1. benbristow · · focus · HN ↗
            Yes, they actively make public spaces unpleasant and dangerous. Town centres are on their knees as people don't want to go there anymore due to ASB like this.
            1. someonebaggy · · focus · HN ↗
              Wow! How bad does a scooter have to be for people to avoid the whole town center?
              1. benbristow · · focus · HN ↗
                It's not just them, you've got ebikes going 30mph, kids/teens congregating on bikes in balaclavas. Come look for yourself and see if you don't feel intimidated.
                1. cguess · · focus · HN ↗
                  AH! THE YOUTH!
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