The resulting annotated dataset, called ImageNet, enabled breakthroughs in machine learning that revitalized the field and ushered in a decade of progress
So, the work is beneficial, but they don't want people to know that. So by not telling people what the purpose of their job is and how necessary their work actually is for the companies that need them, they can keep it cheap and the people continue to get exploited. Terrible, but honestly, nothing new.
Only the companies that can afford to buy this data can compete, and those that get it are highly motivated to keep it secret
Oh, this actually answered one of my first questions. Good to know.
They were non sequitur code names for non sequitur work
To be honest, when the names don't necessarily align with the type of work that a company does, it gives fraudulent vibes. Sounds suspicious at best.
forbidden from telling anyone what they were working on
I wonder why they weren't allowed to tell anyone. What are the repercussions of telling someone that you were, essentially, helping to build memory for AI?
it is very boring
To be honest, it kind of sounds pretty interesting. I suppose that any type of work can become mind-numbing after doing it day after day, though.