Coca-Cola stirs controversy with little cameras in vending machines
By Kim Lacapria
Published on March 22, 2026.
A viral YouTube video has raised questions about whether Coca-Cola Freestyle machines have cameras in them. This has fueled rumors that the smart fountains use artificial intelligence-powered surveillance technology. A spokesperson for the company stated that they have no plans to use cameras in the future. The rumors surfaced after a YouTuber farent-tv examined the Coca-Colourable machine's purported data collection functionality. The company maintains that the machine's cameras have not been collecting data. This is part of a larger backlash against AI technology, particularly in data centers that have been identified as a primary driver of high electricity bills.
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