Reports are surfacing this morning that a new smartphone app is being developed by Microsoft and that it will be marketed to those wanting to “Avoid the Ghetto”. It is reportedly an app that will help people avoid unsafe neighborhoods.
Critics fear the app will further damage already delicate economies and that it will steer tourists away just because of a high crime rate. Urban areas such as New Orleans, Houston and New York or even cities like Los Angeles and Miami could feel the pinch.
The Daily Mail reports that Sarah E. Chinn, author of ‘Technology and the Logic of American Racism, told AOL the app is “pretty appalling.” She went on to say, “Of course, an application like this defines crime pretty narrowly, since all crimes happen in all kinds of neighborhoods. I can’t imagine that there aren’t perpetrators of domestic violence, petty and insignificant drug possession, fraud, theft, and rape in every area.”
Opponents fear the data-operated app could damage minority communities and hinder economic development in the areas most in need of it.
The hi-tech app may very well reinforce negative stereotypes all over the US, something that we most definitely do not need.
The company has patented the app, but it is not yet available to buy.
