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AI Data Firm Accused of Spying on Workers
27 Oct
Summary
- Scale AI faces five complaints for allegedly monitoring freelancers producing AI training data.
- Workers report up to 19 trackers recording keystrokes and mouse movements.
- Invasive identity checks and gamified bonuses are also points of contention.
A European digital privacy advocacy group, noyb, has lodged five formal complaints across France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Austria against Scale AI. The core allegation centers on the company's alleged illegal monitoring of freelance workers who contribute to AI training data. These freelancers utilize the Outlier platform for tasks that are reportedly recorded extensively.
The complaints detail invasive surveillance measures, including the use of up to 19 trackers that monitor keystrokes and mouse movements at frequent intervals. Investigations suggest these recordings could be reconstructed into video replays of entire work sessions. Furthermore, workers are subjected to repeated and allegedly unjustified identity verification checks involving ID documents and facial scans.
Beyond surveillance, the Outlier platform employs gamified mechanisms and bonus structures to incentivize task completion. This approach has drawn comparisons to other platforms fined for similar practices. Several workers have also reported unsuccessful attempts to access their personal data from the platform, adding to the grievances driving these complaints.
