Apparently, current facial recognition technology has had problems when identifying users with darker skin. To make sure that this does not become an issue with the Face unlock system that will debut on the Pixel 4 line, and future iterations of the feature, the database that Google has been creating targeted homeless people in Atlanta, those attending the BET Awards show in L.A., and college campuses around the U.S. This information comes from Daily News sources who worked on the project.

The temps collecting the data were told to focus on the homeless, college students and people with darker skin

The temps were taught to rush their subjects through survey questions, and to walk away if anyone got too suspicious. They were also told to target the homeless because they were less likely to approach the media about the program. The temps were also told to target college students because they live on a tight budget and would be interested in the $5 Starbucks card. As one of the TVCs said, “They (Google) were very aware of all the ways you could incentivize a person and really hone in on the context of the person to make it almost irresistible.” Another temp said, “I feel like they wanted us to prey on the weak.”

The agreement form that the subjects were supposed to sign noted that Google could keep the image of their face and any other information “as long as needed to fulfill the purposes which is expected to be about five years.” It also noted that Google could aggregate the research data, which would make those participating anonymous. However, under the agreement, “there is no limit to how long or in what manner Google may retain, use or share the aggregate data.” The agreement adds that Google can data retain, use or share non-personally identifying or aggregate data without limitation for any purpose.”