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Lie detectors abandoned
From the Register
The government has abandoned plans to use a telephone-based lie detector to catch benefits fiddlers, following criticism by scientists that the technology is no more reliable than tossing a coin.
Analysis of “Voice Risk Analysis” (VRA) software did not conclude it is effective, the Department of Work and Pensions said.
“The evidence is not compelling enough to recommend the use of VRA within DWP,” it explained.
The trials, begun under the previous government, cost £2.16m. A total of 24 local authorities were involved in the most recent batch of trials, and 23 reported results.
The software, supplied by Israeli firm Nemesysco via Capita, measured fluctuations in benefits claimants’ voices to calculate whether they were “low risk” or “high risk”, requiring further investigation.
Out of 12 authorities who tested the system during benefits reviews, only one reported it was a success.
I wonder which LA thought this snake oil was successful…
attached link to rightsnet news story -
DWP abandons plans to introduce lie detector software
cheers ros
I think it was Harrow that thought VRA was a success. See http://www.publictechnology.net/content/14692
attached link to rightsnet news story -
DWP abandons plans to introduce lie detector software
cheers ros
Think the DWP might have to be very careful about saying this gadget doesn’t work, I seem to recall that some of the scientists that rubbished it when it came out were threatened with legal action by the manufacturer!