Silicon Valley start-up Sanas claims its technology can reduce racist abuse faced by call centre staff. Critics say it is a move in the wrong direction and say language diversity should be celebrated. Sanas, which has reportedly received $32m in funding since June 2022, says its technology is an accent translation tool. Many call centre workers have reported being expected to speak with an American accent. Company says 1,000 people use the technology, mostly in the Philippines and in India, and said it has been well-received, increasing employee retention. But critics say the technology pandered to racism and that racism should not be tolerated in the call centre industry. A former call centre agent himself said in his experience agents would be abused or discriminated against because of how they sound . . .
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