A set of smart vending machines at the University of Waterloo is expected to be removed from campus after students raised privacy concerns about their software.

The machines have M&M artwork on them and sell chocolate and other candy. They are located throughout campus, including in the Modern Languages building and Hagey Hall.

Earlier this month, a student noticed an error message on one of the machines in the Modern Languages building. It appeared to indicate there was a problem with a facial recognition application.

“We wouldn’t have known if it weren’t for the application error. There’s no warning here,” said River Stanley, a fourth-year student, who investigated the machines for an article in the university publication, mathNEWS.

  • Exocrinous
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    4 months ago

    Yeah, you’re taking this way too personally. I’m out here explaining how people can justify doing bad things to themselves, and you’re having a whole identity crisis over whether you’re a bad person about it. Look, your personal difficulties excusing your own actions are none of my business.

    • tsonfeir
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      4 months ago

      I’m not taking this personally at all. I think you’re reading my responses with the wrong tone.

      • Exocrinous
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        4 months ago

        If you’re not taking this personally, why all the personal questions about my transit habits and finances? It seems like you’re trying to use me as some kind of gotcha for why you don’t have to introspect. Leave me out of it.

        • tsonfeir
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          4 months ago

          That’s how people have conversations? You seem really angry. Maybe go for a walk ;)

          Have a good night.