It’s 6:08 in the morning. Seconds ago you were fast asleep and oblivious to the rest of the world. Until your cell phone alerted you of a new message.
Someone, who claims to know you, has given you a one star rating on an online app. Additionally she’s also reviewed your personal and romantic life and the outcome is not exactly favourable.
Sounds like a clip from a sci-fi movie, doesn’t it? Only it’s not. In less than a week, this could be a reality when Nicole McCullough and Julia Cordray unleash their controversial app, Peeple, on the world.
A cloud of inauspiciousness hovers above Peeple since the announcement early in October.
Initially you would be notified if any negative comments were listed on the app. You then have the opportunity to convince your critic that he or she is wrong – you have 48 hours to accomplish this prickly task. If your negotiation skills prove unsuccessful, you can still defend yourself on the platform. Negative comments will not be removed: in short, you have little say.
After overwhelming criticism in the media – particularly the breeding ground Peeple will create for bullying and harassment – the app’s quickly changed it’s approach.
A prominent article in the Washington Post even led to the prompt removal of Peeple‘s website, Facebook page and Twitter accounts.
At the moment it is marketed as an app encouraging positive feedback – a “positive revolution”, as the website so optimistically states.
Recently Cordray stated on LinkedIn that no person will be listed without their consent. The 48 waiting period for removing negative comments is no longer applicable. If you do not approve a comment, it will not be posted.
Whether Peeple changes it’s procedures or approach, the real impact of an app that intrudes on human rights, will only truly be felt once it’s in operation.
Clearly there is already enormous opposition. A petition to ban Peeple accumulated more than 7000 signatures last week. Two parodies already exist: “Sheeple,” and “Meet Peeple”. Even satirist John Oliver commented in his unique, outspoken, rant-like style.
Peeple in the media: http://www.theguardian.com | http://www.latimes.com | http://www.forbes.com | http://arstechnica.com | http://www.mybroadband.co.za
