Zoom has caused a stir following reports that it’s developing an AI system for detecting emotions. The system, first reported by Protocol, claims to scan users’ faces and their speech to determine their emotions.

Figure 1: An AI system for detecting emotions.

Figure 1 shows that Zoom detailed the system more in a blog post last month. The company says ‘Zoom IQ’ will be particularly useful for helping salespeople improve their pitches based on the emotions of call participants. Naturally, the system is seen as rather dystopian and has received its fair share of criticism. [1]

On Wednesday, over 25 rights teams dispatched a joint letter to Zoom CEO Eric Yuan. The letter urges Zoom to stop analysis on emotion-based AI.

The letter’s signatories embrace the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Muslim Justice League, and Access Now.

One of many key issues is that emotion-detecting AI could possibly be used for issues like hiring or monetary choices; corresponding to whether or not to grant loans. That has the likelihood to extend present inequalities.

“Outcomes should not be meant for use for employment choices or different comparable choices. All really useful ranges for metrics are primarily based on publicly accessible analysis,” Zoom defined. [2]

Zoom IQ tracks metrics, including:

1. Ratio of conversation and listening
2. Speaking speed
3. Additional words
4. The longest part (monologue)
5. Patience
6. Captivating questions
7. Set up the next steps
8. Mood / engagement analysis

Esha Bandari, deputy director of the ACLU’s Speech, Confidentiality and Technology Project, called emotion detection AI “great” and “garbage science.” [3]

References:

1. https://www.artificialintelligence-news.com/2022/05/19/zoom-receives-backlash-for-emotion-detecting-ai/
2. https://aiexpress.io/zoom-receives-backlash-for-emotion-detecting-ai/
3. https://newstechok.com/zoom-gets-feedback-from-ai-for-detecting-emotions/13618/
4. https://aiexpress.io/zoom-receives-backlash-for-emotion-detecting-ai/

Cite this article:

Sri Vasagi K (2022), Zoom Developing an AI System for Detecting Emotions, AnaTechMaz, pp. 76