Microsoft "avoid ghetto" patent sparks controversy

[Ichingcarpenter]

CBS) - Controversy over a new Microsoft patent has people questioning whether or not the intention has racist undertones.

CNET reported that Microsoft has been granted a U.S. patent that will steer pedestrians away from areas that are high in crime.

"As a pedestrian travels, various difficulties can be encountered, such as traveling through an unsafe neighborhood or being in an open area that is subject to harsh temperatures," Microsoft stated in their patent claims. "A route can be developed for a person taking into account factors that specifically affect a pedestrian. Moreover, the route can alter as a situation of a user changes; for instance, if a user wants to add a stop along a route."

It's been coined the "avoid ghetto" GPS patent, but its purpose is a bit more complex.

What the technology actually does is collects and analyzes data to give the users the best possible route home. According to Microsoft's claims, your Windows 7 smartphone would gather "information related to pedestrian travel include maps (e.g., extracted from a database), user history, weather information, crime statistics, demographic information."

After data has been gathered, Microsoft says a smartphone could be set to "at least one criterion, such as keeping a user safe."


http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501465_162-57355325-501465/microsoft-avoid-ghetto-patent-sparks-controversy/?tag=re1.channel

[msongs]

1. so who eactly has "coined" it the "avoid ghetto" patent? otherwise it is no big deal IMO if it uses

reliable data to determine paths. Staying out of dark alleys anywhere you go reduces your chances of being bonked over the head lol

[XemaSab]

2. If not wanting to get shot is racist

then I'm David Duke.

[razorman]

10. Besides, you don't have to do what the app tells you. You can go to MLK boulevard if you want.

I think the app's critics are afraid that it will use generalizations, such as the "MLK Street is dangerous" meme to paint particular areas of some cities as being bad. But, what the hell do I know? I still use road maps.

[MrCoffee]

3. From the article, it seems that CBS News is trying to generate the controversy

CBS links to CNET, which refers to the "avoid ghetto" language by linking to...CBS!

Well played, CBS.

[arcane1]

4. I fail to see the controversy in anything besides the nickname it was given

unless it uses actual race in its calculations. I'm all for an app that lets pedestrians avoid areas of high crime, especially since they're obviously walking around gazing into their phone.

[RZM]

5. People do this type of thing everyday

All Microsoft is doing is making it a bit easier.

[Lint Head]

6. It is a way to avoid people that

live in certain areas either by choice or no fault of their own. How about spending the money to research the development of an app that attacks the 'reason' these areas are high crime related. Avoidance is the word of the day. It's time to come face to face with the elitist greed that is the reason people struggle and strike out at society.

I do understand there is a good reason to avoid the big bad wolf on the way to grandma's house.

[gratuitous]

7. Does the app steer people away from Wall Street?

I mean, what kind of crime are we talking about?

[Dead_Parrot]

8. Damn, ya beat me too it

[razorman]

9. Wall Street will 'get ya' no matter where you hide. You don't have to actually go to Wall Street.