TECNO’s #ToneProud Campaign Champions Inclusivity in Imaging, Tackles Skin Tone Bias with Advanced AI Technology

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology continue to shape visual narratives worldwide, one question persists: Are smartphones capable of authentically capturing the rich diversity of human skin tones, especially in emerging markets? TECNO, a leader in multi-skin tone imaging, is taking a stand on this issue through its newly launched #ToneProud campaign, which promotes awareness of skin tone diversity and accurate representation in imaging technology.

The campaign is driven by TECNO’s Universal Tone technology, which leverages a database of 268 scientifically calibrated skin tone patches. This innovation addresses concerns highlighted by a 2018 MIT and Stanford study, which identified skin tone bias in commercial AI systems. TECNO’s initiative seeks to eliminate this bias, ensuring that every skin tone is represented equitably. Through scientific data collection and precise colour coding, TECNO’s technology accurately restores skin tones, celebrating diversity and promoting a message of inclusion.

#ToneProud – A Global Movement for Fair Representation

The #ToneProud campaign is powered by voices from across the globe, featuring celebrities such as Indonesian singer Anggun, Saudi filmmaker Fatima Al-Banawi, Nigerian musician Johnny Drille, and Polish actress Ewa Kępys. In a new film, they share stories of their skin tone misrepresentation and their belief in technology's role in accurately representing diverse identities. Anggun reflects, “We’re all unique and beautiful. It’s empowering to see technology, like TECNO’s, help us embrace and showcase that diversity.”

Join the #ToneProud Movement

TECNO is inviting people worldwide to embrace their unique skin tones by discovering their own color codes at www.268ToneProud.com. By participating and sharing their portraits with these codes on social media using hashtags #ToneProud, #UniversalTone, and #TECNO, users send a unified message supporting skin tone inclusivity.

"TECNO has always valued consumer insights, especially in emerging markets where skin tone misrepresentation often occurs," said Jack Guo, TECNO's General Manager. "With #ToneProud, we’re advocating for inclusivity and continuing our commitment to research that drives real change."

268 Skin Tone Patches – A Milestone in Inclusive Imaging

At the heart of #ToneProud lies TECNO’s 268 skin tone patches, developed in collaboration with color science experts. This database serves as the foundation of TECNO's Universal Tone technology, setting a new standard in multi-skin tone imaging with an ever-expanding, comprehensive color card.

TECNO's campaign calls for a future where technology embraces and reflects the true beauty of human diversity.