Imagine you have a hot date for the weekend, and after a few drinks, it started looking like things might get steamy later. However, you have just met this person and are not sure of their health status. You also can’t ask because you don’t want to ruin the moment, and definitely can’t get a test done. Would you trust AI enough to give you a clear or abort?
I know I wouldn’t.
Indeed, we’re in interesting times, as the rush to create the next revolutionary product is in top gear. In this age of artificial intelligence, companies are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. However, one startup’s attempt to leverage AI for detecting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has raised more than a few eyebrows – and red flags.
Calmara is a company that boldly claims to identify STIs by analyzing intimate photos using their AI technology. The premise is simple (or perhaps overly simplistic): snap a picture of your or your partner’s genitals and let their AI do the rest, providing you with a “clear” or “not clear” verdict.
While the idea might sound intriguing at first, it quickly unravels under closer scrutiny. The majority of STIs are asymptomatic, meaning they often don’t present visible signs, rendering Calmara’s visual approach unreliable. Moreover, reputable STI testing relies on blood and urine samples, not just a cursory glance.
But the concerns do not stop there. Calmara’s marketing efforts have been nothing short of eyebrow-raising, initially promoting itself as “Your Intimate Bestie for Unprotected Sex” and touting itself as “The PERFECT WEBSITE for HOOKING UP!” – a claim that raises some serious ethical questions. The company later changed “unprotected sex” to “safer sex”.
Privacy is another major concern, as Calmara’s vague policies leave users wondering about the safety and potential misuse of their intimate photos. While the company claims compliance with necessary regulations, their terms of service indicate that user information may be shared with third parties, casting doubts on the true extent of data protection.
Read also: Can your device be hacked through public WiFi?
It should be noted that Calmara has acknowledged that their platform is not intended as a serious medical tool, and they’re working on updating their communication to better reflect their intentions. However, the damage may already be done, as the initial messaging has left many scratching their heads – and potentially exposing themselves to unnecessary risks.
In the end, while the pursuit of innovative solutions in sexual health is commendable, Calmara’s approach might be a bit too risqué for comfort. As with any endeavor involving personal health and intimate matters, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek professional medical advice from trusted sources.
