[UPDATE] Outback Is Suspending The Use Of Constant Surveillance Program
Update: October 23, 2019
Outback Steakhouse had announced they would be testing out a constant surveillance program called Presto Vision in a Portland, OR, location earlier this month, but the company has since decided to suspend the pilot.
A spokesperson for Outback said that the goal of the program was to assess their customer service, but they have decided the program is no longer the best way for the company to improve.
“We know our franchisee had the best of intentions when testing technology to help provide exceptional service. But, we all agree that hospitality is best achieved by serving our customers’ needs in the moment," the spokesperson told Delish. "For this reason, the test in Portland, OR, has been cancelled and they are no longer using the program.”
Update: October 22, 2019
Outback Steakhouse is adding something new to the menu: constant surveillance. According to Wired, the chain restaurant will begin using a program called Presto Vision at a Portland, OR, location.
Essentially, the program will take over the security cameras already in the restaurant and will analyze customer service. Presto Vision CEO Rajat Suri told Wired that the program is "not that different from a Fitbit." Yeah, because a Fitbit has the ability to watch us stuff our faces with Bloomin' Onion. Suuure.
Presto Vision will track statistics for how often the waitstaff checks back in on a table and how long it takes food to be served. These details will then be sent in a report to the manager at the end of each shift.
These features are meant to help restaurant management pinpoint where service can be improved, but employees may be at greater risk of losing their jobs due to Presto Vision. Some think the implementation of this program could lead to staff getting less shifts based on the program's reports. It's unclear when exactly the surveillance is meant to start (or if it already has), but Delish has reached out to Outback for comment on the expected new program.
As of right now, the Presto Vision program does not reportedly use facial recognition or store any personal data, and the videos will be deleted after three days, which I think is supposed to make us feel better? If you plan on making it to Outback any time soon, make sure you're camera ready, because you're being watched whether you like it or not.
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