TECNO Launches #ToneProud Campaign to Combat Skin Tone Bias in AI Imaging Technology

TECNO launches #ToneProud campaign to raise awareness about skin tone bias in imaging technology - Phandroid

Despite how far we've progressed as a society, there are still many issues plaguing humankind, such as skin tone bias. But it isn't just in humans that we need to be concerned about, but also in technology. This is why TECNO has announced its new #ToneProud campaign to bring awareness about the potential technical biases in imaging technology. Why technology, you might ask? There was a study conducted back in 2018 by MIT and Stanford University which found that in some commercial AI systems, skin tone bias was found. These systems seemed to have an issue where they could not correctly identify darker skinned individuals, and also mis-gendered women. It's hard to say if this is a technical issue or if maybe some bias might have been created why developing these systems, but this is something TECNO is hoping to address with its #ToneProud campaign. The campaign basically showcases the company's database of 268 unique skin tones based on scientific classifications. This database is part of TECNO's Universal Tone technology that was developed by color science experts from universities around the world. The idea is that it will help create more precise detection and rendering of skin tones when it comes to imaging technology, ensuring that no matter your skin tone will be accurately represented.

Smartphone Maker Tecno Takes a Stand Against Skin Tone Bias in Photos

Smartphone company Tecno has launched its #ToneProud campaign, which seeks to end skin tone bias in imaging technology, an increasingly important issue with the rise of generative AI. According to a 2018 study from MIT and Stanford University, there is skin-tone bias in some commercial AI systems -- a problem that will undoubtedly become worse with the widespread use of AI technology. Chinese smartphone maker Tecno has therefore launched its #ToneProud campaign to raise awareness about skin tone diversity while introducing the company's unique 268 skin tone database to consumers. The company says this expansive database of 268 skin tone patches allows TECNO Universal Tone's algorithms to accurately detect, analyze, and render skin tones in a way that allows everyone to be truly seen in photos. It is a similar to the campaign Google launched back in 2022. By assigning specific color codes to different skin tones with scientific classification in images, Tecno says it is not only addressing biases in skin tone color restoration and fine-tuning the accuracy of its Universal Tone technology for fair representation, but also helping consumers to understand and feel proud in the diversity of skin tones worldwide, encouraging them to take a stand against the lack of true representation with Tecno. "Over many years, Tecno has attached great importance to consumer research, and so we understand that skin tone misrepresentation (and underrepresentation) is an issue of real significance for our users especially in the emerging markets," Jack Guo, General Manager of Tecno, says. "Through the #ToneProud campaign, we are standing with consumers, especially the misrepresented or underrepresented consumers, to make the case for greater inclusivity, while at the same time continuing to heavily invest in imaging R&D to innovate technologies to make a real impact on this problem." As part of its #ToneProud campaign, Tecno released a film featuring global celebrities of diverse skin tones, including Indonesian singer-songwriter Anggun, Saudi filmmaker and actress Fatima Al-Banawi, Nigerian singer-songwriter Johnny Drille, and Polish actress Ewa Kępys. The film, released to launch the #ToneProud campaign, explores the theme of embracing one's skin tone, featuring celebrities sharing their experiences of misrepresentation and expressing their belief that technology and photography should accurately reflect diverse skin tones and true colors. To mark the launch of the #ToneProud campaign, TECNO is calling on consumers worldwide to celebrate skin tone diversity and show that they are proud of their own skin tones. The company is inviting people to discover their own skin tone code at 268toneproud.com.

TECNO's #ToneProud Campaign Aspires to End Skin Tone Bias in Imaging Technology to Represent Full Human Diversity

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Nov. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a world where technology and AI shapes perceptions, are smartphones truly capturing the full spectrum and beauty of human diversity, especially in often-overlooked emerging markets? Today, TECNO, an innovative brand at the forefront of multi-skin tone imaging, gave its response to this question with the launch of its #ToneProud campaign. A study in 2018 from MIT and Stanford University made a worrying find: The existence of skin-type bias in some commercial-artificial intelligence systems. This bias is particularly concerning in the era of AI-driven imaging technology. Understanding and addressing these skin tone algorithmic biases through scientific data collection and innovative measurement is crucial for fostering a more equitable and inclusive society. With the firm belief that imaging technologies should be free from bias, with every skin tone deserving fair representation as a vital aspect of human diversity, TECNO is launching the #ToneProud campaign. The campaign aims to raise awareness about skin tone diversity while introducing TECNO's unique 268 skin tone database to consumers. By assigning specific color codes to different skin tones with scientific classification, TECNO is not only addressing biases in skin tone color restoration and fine tuning the accuracy of its Universal Tone technology for fair representation, but also helping consumers to understand and feel proud in the diversity of skin tones worldwide, encouraging them to take a stand against the lack of true representation with TECNO. The #ToneProud Campaign - Standing Up for Equal Representation The #ToneProud campaign is supported and joined by global celebrities of diverse skin tones, including Indonesian-born singer-songwriter Anggun, Saudi Arabian filmmaker and actress Fatima Al-Banawi, Nigerian singer-songwriter Johnny Drille and Polish actress Ewa Kępys. In a film exploring the subject of being #ToneProud released to mark the start of the campaign, the celebrities share their experiences of having their skin tones misrepresented, and their belief that technology should support diverse skin tones and true color. Reflecting on her experiences of having her skin tone misrepresented, Anggun says: "I think, sometimes, you just need to be reminded that we're all individual and we're all beautiful in our own way." TECNO's #ToneProud campaign is not just a campaign, but a call for more accurate representation of people's true skin tone, and a reminder that we should all celebrate the beauty of human diversity. Anggun added, "If the technology helps us, which is the approach of TECNO phones, it makes it easier to break barriers and change people's perception, change mentality." Join TECNO's Campaign to Embrace Your #ToneProud Attitude To mark the launch of the #ToneProud campaign, TECNO is calling on consumers worldwide to celebrate skin tone diversity and show that they are proud of their own skin tones. Users across the globe are invited to discover their own skin tone code at 268toneproud.com. This website tool utilizes TECNO's inclusive 268 skin tone patches to help raise awareness of the diversity of humanity and skin tones. By gaining a deeper understanding of their own skin tones, consumers can join the conversation by sharing their portrait with skin tone code on Instagram using the hashtags #ToneProud, #UniversalTone, and #TECNO. This sends a united message that everyone should be proud of their own skin tones. "Over many years, TECNO has attached great importance to consumer research, and so we understand that skin tone misrepresentation (and underrepresentation) is an issue of real significance for our consumers especially in the emerging markets," said Jack Guo, General Manager of TECNO. "Through the #ToneProud campaign, we are standing with consumers, especially the misrepresented or underrepresented consumers, to make the case for greater inclusivity, while at the same time continuing to heavily invest in imaging R&D to innovate technologies to make a real impact on this problem." The 268 Skin Tone Patches - The Game Changer in Eliminating Bias in AI for Inclusive Skin Tone Imaging Through this campaign, TECNO is highlighting its Universal Tone technology's 268 skin tone patches to showcase human skin tone diversity. The 268 skin tone patches, as a milestone of progress in its global research project, are the vital foundation of the inclusive mobile imaging color card that sets a new benchmark for multi-skin tone imaging as the industry's largest and most accurate skin tone database - a database that is continually expanding. Developed with color science experts from leading global universities, this expansive skin tone database allows TECNO Universal Tone's algorithms to accurately detect, analyze and render skin tones in a way that allows everyone to be truly seen. "Knowing that there are 268 skin tones patches alone is a testament to individuality. In a world that tries to box us into narrow categories, it's a small but profound way of saying you're unique. So be proud and tell your story," says Johnny Drille. By eliminating bias and promoting authentic, inclusive representation, TECNO enables consumers to capture every shade of humanity and properly represent everyone in one picture. "What TECNO is doing with its Universal Tone feature is significantly crucial at this stage because this technology will set the foundations for an inclusive society," emphasizes Fatima Al-Banawi in the campaign film. Together with #ToneProud, TECNO and its global community are championing the essence of diversity, reinforcing the message that every skin tone is a source of pride and a vital part of our shared human tapestry. To learn more, visit: www.tecno-mobile.com/universaltone View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tecnos-toneproud-campaign-aspires-to-end-skin-tone-bias-in-imaging-technology-to-represent-full-human-diversity-302294792.html SOURCE TECNO Mobile Limited Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs