The Daily Planet #129: Everyday Dystopias

As I keep saying, while we are waiting to be turned into paperclips, pay some attention to the everyday dystopias being unleashed by AI.

This investigation by Decode reveals that India’s Poshan Tracker app, which uses Google’s ML Kit for facial recognition, is causing widespread exclusion from the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).

Since July 2025, pregnant women and nursing mothers must pass AI scans to receive food rations. However, nearly half of eligible beneficiaries have been locked out because the system fails to match their current appearance with years-old Aadhaar photos.

Changes due to pregnancy, aging, or poor lighting trigger "mismatches," denying essential nutrition to the most vulnerable. Critics argue the tech prioritizes surveillance over welfare, violating the constitutional right to food.

AI FTW