Anyway, what happened?

Students encountered the secret surveillance technology when an error message appeared on the screen of an M&M-branded vending machine, revealing the name of the facial recognition program.

Intrigued, they searched online for the machine’s maker, Invenda, and discovered that it had been fitted with a “demographic sensor” that could “count people” and create a “demographic profile” of anyone who approached it.

Students feel that this is a serious violation and interference with their private lives. They then started covering the vending machine’s camera with chewing gum and sticky papers. They also reported the issue to the university newspaper and demanded an explanation from the university and the company selling the vending machines.

University’s response

In response, the university requested that the machines be removed from campus as soon as possible and that the software be disabled in the meantime. A university spokesperson said the university was not aware of or did not allow facial recognition.

Invenda, meanwhile, began defending its software, saying it complies with data privacy laws and does not store or transmit any images or personally identifiable information. The software is designed to provide “artificial intelligence-based product recommendations” and increase sales by 60 percent, the company said.

However, students were not convinced by the company’s claim and expressed concerns about the proliferation of tracking technologies in everyday devices. They said they didn’t need or want any “smart” features in vending machines, preferring classic machines that let you see the snacks inside.