Voice analyzer paper sparks lawsuit threat
FEB 19, 2009
DOI: 10.1063/PT.5.023075
Science : A peer-reviewed journal recently yanked a long-since published paper from its website after the makers of a voice-analysis system--which is sold as a device to detect emotional stress and help ferret out liars--complained that the article contained inaccuracies and defamed them.
The authors of the review article, two scientists from Sweden who normally study the sounds of speech, complain that the company is attempting to stifle free inquiry. The company founder counters that the paper was less a scientific analysis of his product than a personal attack.
Meanwhile, 25 local governments in the United Kingdom are already using the controversial technology to try to weed out fraud among people applying for public assistance, and its use may be extended nationwide.
The authors of the review article, two scientists from Sweden who normally study the sounds of speech, complain that the company is attempting to stifle free inquiry. The company founder counters that the paper was less a scientific analysis of his product than a personal attack.
Meanwhile, 25 local governments in the United Kingdom are already using the controversial technology to try to weed out fraud among people applying for public assistance, and its use may be extended nationwide.
© 2009 American Institute of Physics
