Anker Pays Eufy Camera Users for AI Training Data

Anker's Data Collection Initiative for AI Training

Earlier in the year, Anker, a Chinese firm specializing in Eufy security cameras, implemented a program offering financial compensation to its user base.

This incentive was provided in return for video footage depicting package and vehicle thefts. The company sought to enhance its AI capabilities.

Details of the Program

Eufy announced it would remunerate customers at a rate of $2 for each submitted video.

The purpose of this collection was to refine its AI systems, improving their ability to identify individuals involved in the theft of vehicles and parcels.

According to a statement on the company’s website, a sufficient volume of data was required, necessitating both authentic and simulated incidents.

The company explicitly encouraged users to even create their own staged events for submission.

Users were advised that a single act, captured simultaneously by multiple outdoor cameras, could maximize earnings.

For example, staging a car door theft could potentially yield $80 in compensation.

Data Usage and Privacy Considerations

Eufy clarified that data obtained from these staged events would be exclusively utilized for the training of its AI algorithms.

It was stated that no other applications of the collected data were intended.

This initiative underscores a growing trend of companies offering payment to acquire user data deemed valuable for AI model training.

While this approach allows users to potentially monetize their own data, it also introduces inherent security and privacy vulnerabilities.

Recent Security Concerns

A recent example highlighting these risks involves Neon, a rapidly gaining calling application.

Neon previously offered financial rewards to users who consented to sharing recordings and transcripts of their phone conversations.

However, TechCrunch recently discovered a significant security flaw within the Neon platform.

This flaw permitted unauthorized access to the data of any user on the system.

Following notification of this security breach, Neon was promptly taken offline.

This situation serves as a cautionary tale regarding the potential consequences of data collection practices and the importance of robust security measures.

A Significant Number of Videos Contributed for AI Development

A campaign initiated by Eufy, offering a $2 reward for videos depicting theft, was active from December 18, 2024, through February 25, 2025. User feedback on the campaign’s announcement page indicates that over 120 individuals took part in submitting their footage.

The stated objective of the company was to amass a collection of 20,000 videos illustrating both package thefts and instances of individuals attempting to enter vehicles. Participation involved completing a Google Form, uploading the relevant videos, and providing PayPal details for remuneration.

Despite inquiries from TechCrunch, Eufy has not provided any response regarding the campaign. Specific questions concerning the number of participants, total payments disbursed, the volume of videos collected, and the deletion status of these videos post-AI training remain unanswered.

Following this initial effort, Eufy has launched comparable initiatives designed to encourage customers to contribute videos for the purpose of enhancing their AI capabilities.

Currently, through an in-app program known as the Video Donation Program, Eufy incentivizes users to contribute to the improvement of its AI systems. Rewards vary from an “Apprentice Medal” – a badge displayed within the app – to more substantial gifts like cameras or gift cards.

This particular campaign focuses solely on videos that feature human subjects.

Within the Eufy application, an “Honor Wall” displays a ranking of users based on the number of video events they have donated. The leading contributor, as indicated by the app, has submitted an impressive 201,531 videos.

Eufy clarifies within the donation program’s information page that all submitted videos are exclusively utilized for AI training and enhancement. The company assures users that the footage will not be shared with any third parties.

Requests for videos captured by Eufy’s baby monitors have also been made. The support documentation outlining the video submission process does not mention any financial compensation for this type of contribution.

Eufy has not responded to questions regarding this specific request.

Concerns regarding Eufy’s commitment to user privacy are warranted. A 2023 report by The Verge revealed that the company attempted to conceal the fact that users’ camera streams, advertised as end-to-end encrypted, were actually accessible in an unencrypted format through its web portal.

Following discussions with the news outlet, Anker acknowledged misleading users and pledged to rectify the issue.

This report initially appeared on October 1.