So-called "avoid ghetto" app drawing criticism
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Microsoft has patented a new GPS feature dubbed the "Avoid Ghetto" app.
It sends your phone an alert if you're about to enter a neighborhood with a high crime rate.
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According to Councilman Reed, Ward 3 would be on the app, and he's not happy about that.
"You can take one step forward. But then someone will see an app like this, hook into it, and that takes you three steps back. Because they aren't going to look at the ward, or the people in the ward, who are trying to make these neighborhoods better. They are going to avoid it," added Reed.
There is nothing in the patent description that refers to ghetto, in fact the word is never even used.
Instead, the patent refers to economically challenged areas populated by individuals who generally travel by walking.
At the Zelma George Rec Center in Cleveland, the app had some people shaking their heads.
"Who is it helping? Definitely not helping, not my people. Definitely a racist app. No way they can spin this to say it's a useful app, it can't be useful to anyone black," said Rodney Spivy, of Cleveland.
more here: So-Called 'Avoid Ghetto' App Drawing Criticism - WTKR