A new AI-driven application allows consumers to trace the origins of products, aiding in the ongoing boycott of American goods. The website isthiscanadian.ca lets users upload photos to quickly identify whether items are Canadian or foreign. Developed by three residents of Saint-Hyacinthe, the tool aims to empower informed purchasing decisions. While ongoing improvements are being made, users are advised to approach the information with caution due to potential inaccuracies.
Discover the New AI Tool for Tracking Product Origins
In light of the ongoing boycott movements against American goods, consumers now have a powerful ally in the form of an innovative application driven by artificial intelligence (AI). This tool enables shoppers to easily identify the origins of products available in stores.
One noteworthy website, isthiscanadian.ca, provides users with a reliable method to ascertain whether a product is Canadian, imported, or a combination of both. This handy tool was developed using the popular AI technology from OpenAI, ChatGPT.
How It Works
Using isthiscanadian.ca is a breeze. Simply upload a photo of the product you want to investigate, and within seconds, you will receive detailed information about its origin, the processing location, the base of the selling company, and whether the brand is Canadian or foreign.
Additionally, if the product is determined to be foreign, the site offers suggestions for local Quebec or Canadian alternatives, empowering consumers to make informed choices.
A Community Initiative
The inspiration for this project came to life during a speech by Justin Trudeau concerning the potential tariffs imposed by Donald Trump. This prompted three Saint-Hyacinthe residents, Katherine Hébert, Dany Gervais, and Sébastien Couture, to take action and create the website.
“We felt a strong responsibility to assist Canadians in navigating this evolving political landscape and to empower them in their purchasing decisions,” Katherine Hébert shared. “Our goal was to develop a valuable tool for the community.”
With their combined expertise in app development and AI, Gervais and Couture managed to launch the first version of isthiscanadian.ca within just 48 hours.
Ongoing Improvements and Limitations
Since its launch, the team has been dedicated to refining the tool and adding features to enhance user experience and accuracy. Initial tests of various products reveal that the tool’s reliability is impressive, given its swift development.
However, as with many generative AI applications, it’s important to note that the information may not always be current, and there can be instances of “hallucination” where the AI provides unclear answers.
“There is definitely a margin of error,” remarked Olivier Blais, an AI specialist from Moov AI. “This is an ongoing project with many complexities involved.”
Blais emphasizes that while generative AI can facilitate the creation of solutions like isthiscanadian.ca rapidly, users should approach the information with a degree of caution. “This tool should primarily serve as an aid, not a definitive source.”
Product Testing Results
The team has conducted tests on various products using their tool. Here are a few notable results:
- Oasis Juice: Confirmed as a Canadian product.
- Stash Herbal Tea: The tool was unable to definitively classify it as foreign, despite its U.S. origin being clear on the packaging.
- Kraft Peanut Butter: Identified as “not entirely Canadian,” highlighting its Quebec production but American ownership.
- Selection Sparkling Water: Accurately identified the lime flavor as Canadian but misclassified the grapefruit flavor.
- Eska Lemon Sparkling Water: Nearly perfect identification, although it overlooked the fact that Eska is owned by American company Morgan Stanley.
As the tool continues to evolve, it holds promise for consumers looking to support local products while navigating a complex market landscape.