Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary Says Protesters Won't Get Jobs Thanks To Facial Recognition
Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary, also known as ‘Mr. Wonderful,’ didn't deliver such great news to pro-Hamas college protesters that have been taking over campuses throughout the country in recent weeks.
During an appearance on CNN, the entrepreneur, who is estimated to be worth more than $500 million, was asked about any repercussions that students that have been a part of the pro-Palestinian encampments may face later in life when they try to get jobs.
O'Leary essentially said they are all screwed.
ALL THE STUDENTS FACES AND EYES HAVE BEEN LOGGED‘
"What I don’t think we are talking enough about is a tragedy occurring at the individual level right now," O'Leary began. He says that unlike when previous protests took place on college campuses and were documented on "high-grainy, 16-millimeter film," that's not the case today and these students will easily be identified.
"Today, everything is being shot on 1080p and 4K video, and from surveillance cameras with extremely high resolution in low-light conditions-including retinal scanning. This is what’s happening with AI. So if you’re burning down something or taking a flag down or fighting with police, I’m sorry, you’re trashing your personal brand."
Police have intervened at multiple college campuses across the country during pro-Palestinian protests. (Photo by Fatih Aktas/Anadolu via Getty Images)
‘THEY HAVE RUINED THEIR PERSONAL BRAND’
The Shark Tank entrepreneur, who owns and has investments in a plethora of various companies, then gave a look behind the scenes at what really happens at the big-name corporations that a number of those protesters would be applying for jobs at.
"We do what’s called a ‘deep dark search' [when we get new applicants.]. So if you’re a candidate in the executive element of a company, or any candidate, you do this: You look at their resume and you say, ‘Let’s hire a firm.’ It’s about $4,800 per search, and go dark web. All of this imagery that you’re seeing tonight, all of this unedited film, is going to be there in about two weeks."
SHARK TANK STAR SAYS STUDENTS HAVEN'T THOUGHT THIS THROUGH
And as far as those that thought busting out the ol' facemask would protect them?
O'Leary laughed and said good luck. "If you're out there right now, even in the dark - even though you've got a mask on, I'll see your eyes at 4K resolution. I know who you are."
"Unfortunately, what’s going to occur to these young people who have not thought this through? I’ll see your resume. You may be a great candidate, but then I’ll find that you were doing this or fighting the police or whatever it was. I’ll put that resume on the left into the garbage because I know I can find someone else just as good as you, and there are tens of thousands of candidates that didn't participate in the protests," O'Leary said before summarizing it as the students "trashing your future."
Kevin O'Leary has been a part of ABC's Shark Tank for years. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)
Although it may sound crude and brash what O'Leary is saying - as the old saying goes, "The truth hurts," whether fair or not. O'Leary adds that he genuinely feels bad for the students and understands that college years are when many students experiment with different things and try to find their place in the world. However, he says that there is a difference between peaceful protests and those that take things a step further by illegally occupying buildings, intimidating other students, or engaging with police.
The world has changed and, as we are seeing with all aspects of it, artificial intelligence is more powerful than we can even dream of. Consequences of one's actions will have a far greater and longer effect on one than ever before - especially for those that break the law.
But good news for anyone that did get suspended or expelled from their schools. An Iranian University is offering free tuition.
THOUGHTS? DOES KEVIN O'LEARY HAVE A POINT? EMAIL ME: Michael.Gunzelman@OutKick.com