THE PROBLEM
MIT Technology Review reported that imaging chips found in most cameras are pre-set for specific ranges of skin tones, making it technically impossible to accurately capture the real variety of complexions. While smartphone companies have tried to address this, they often restrict the problem-solving to a small group of experts—such as photographers, cinematographers, and colorists.
The Truth
Regrettably, skin tone bias still exists in today’s camera technology due to the insufficient data from ethnic minorities, perpetuating a color-distorted ideal of beauty, leading to harmful stereotypes and widespread misrepresentation.
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Systemic racism is rife and continues to mutate into new forms—including in new technologies, where algorithms can amplify discrimination.
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Leading the change to end skin tone bias in camera technology
Recognizing our camera technologies are only as good as the data they are trained on, Chinese company TECNO Mobile started collecting inputs from the entire world to develop the TECNO Universal Tone—because technology for the world should be shaped by the world.
The Idea: #ToneProud
To collect skin tone input on a global scale, TECNO launched #ToneProud, an initiative to make camera technology truly inclusive by empowering people worldwide to represent themselves authentically through accurate skin tone capture.
Celebrities are often seen as representatives of their race, country, and community, and their portrayal in the media significantly influences public perceptions of beauty. We partnered with three prominent figures: Indonesian-born singer-songwriter Anggun; actor, director, and screenwriter Fatima Al-Banawi; and Nigerian musician Johnny Drille.
These partnerships targeted key markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Through an initial post on their Instagram accounts, each celebrity highlighted the pervasiveness of skin tone misrepresentation, sharing personal examples (altered pictures) from their experiences in the mass media. They tagged media connections, enlisting their support in addressing the issue, sparking conversation and buzz.
The Launch
Each celebrity revealed that TECNO had responded to their call for greater inclusivity by introducing #ToneProud initiative. They shared a photo featuring a unique HEX code representing their natural skin colour—which media outlets could use as a reference for balancing their skin tone in images.
In a final post, the celebrities shared a video that delves into their personal stories of misrepresentation and their experience with Universal Tone, emphasizing how the technology helps reverse the issue and fosters diversity through accessible, inclusive photography.
“Beauty is not just black or white; it’s every shade in between and beyond.”
— Anggun, Indonesian-Born Singer-Songwriter
“Every skin tone deserves a stage. When more skin tones are celebrated, more opportunities will come.”
—Fatima Al-Banawi, Saudi Arabian Actor, Director, and Screenwriter
“People in Africa deserve to be seen and heard in the best way possible.”
—Johnny Drille, Nigerian Musician
Building on the world’s most diverse skin tone database to end skin tone misrepresentation
With a clear call to action, people are directed to the #ToneProud Campaign Microsite to discover their own skin tones—immortalized as a custom HEX code—which they can share to help train and improve TECNO Universal Tone.
TECNO Universal Tone
On the microsite, visitors could learn more about the impact of Universal Tone’s three AI technologies for unbiased, true-to-life photo-portraits:
Multi-Skin Tone Restoration Engine uses the largest and most diverse collection of skin tone data ever compiled. It fine-tunes algorithms to eliminate bias, ensuring that every unique shade is beautifully and accurately depicted.
Local Tuning Engine harmonizes subjects with their environment by adjusting for local lighting and colour temperatures. It ensures that every photo captures the true essence of people and their surroundings, tailored to different regions and countries.
AI-Powered Computational Portrait Engine delivers personalized portraits that align with regional aesthetics and cultural preferences. It enhances skin tones, textures, and beauty features, ensuring every photo celebrates people’s unique beauty.
Social Media Content
We ignited a sense of pride in people worldwide, encouraging them to celebrate their skin tone and showcase their natural selves.
