Data Labelling

How to choose the best data-labelling service in an era of highly specialised AI

Guildhawk | Aug 8, 2025 12:10:12 PM

We are in a pivotal moment in the evolution of artificial intelligence. The hype around general-purpose AI has given way to a new reality: the era of hyperpersonalised AI.

Instead of building one model to do everything, businesses are now focusing on creating highly specialised, purpose-built AI applications designed to solve specific, complex problems. From developing models that can detect subtle anomalies in medical scans to training chatbots that understand nuanced legal jargon, the key to success is no longer simply having a lot of data; it's about having the right data.

For these specialised models to thrive, they require equally specialised, high-quality data labeling and annotation.

LEARN MORE: What is data labelling

The old approach, and why is it outdated

The old approach of relying on generic, low-cost crowd-sourced labeling is no longer sufficient. Inaccuracies, inconsistencies, and a lack of domain expertise in the labeling process can introduce biases and errors that cripple a model's performance and can be expensive and time-consuming to correct. The new standard demands a meticulous, human-in-the-loop approach where annotators possess the necessary domain knowledge, whether it's medical terminology, legal precedents, or cultural sensitivity for multilingual projects.

LEARN MORE: The internet is flooded with bad machine translations

Choosing a data labeling partner has evolved from a simple procurement act to a strategic decision that will define the quality and performance of your AI application. The following table provides a high-level comparison of some of the leading data labeling providers, highlighting their core strengths and operational models to help you navigate this critical choice.

A comparison of data labelling services

This table provides a high-level comparison of leading data labeling and annotation service providers, highlighting key aspects such as their primary focus, workforce model, and approach to data security.

Company	Specialisation	Workforce model	Security and data	Personalisation
Scale AI	Large-scale data annotation for computer vision and autonomous vehicles. It also specialises in large language model (LLM) fine-tuning.	Primarily uses a crowd-sourced model through platforms like Remotasks and Outlier.	Data security is a key offering but relies on platform-level security and compliance certifications (e.g., ISO, SOC 2).	Offers a range of solutions, but is optimised for large-scale, automated workflows.
Appen	Broad range of data annotation services, including computer vision, NLP, and relevance. Known for massive scale and speed.	Operates a large, global crowd-sourced workforce.	Has internal quality and security protocols and offers various certifications to meet client needs.	Caters to a range of needs with both off-the-shelf and custom data solutions.
Infosys	Offers data annotation as part of its broader AI and data analytics offerings as a large IT consulting and services firm.	Employs a large, in-house workforce as part of its business process management services.	Provides comprehensive data security and governance as part of its enterprise-level solutions.	Offers customised solutions as part of larger IT transformation projects.
iMerit	Offers data annotation and enrichment within a diverse range of industries (e.g., autonomous vehicles, medical AI).	Employs a full-time, in-house workforce located in secure delivery centers.	Provides comprehensive security with SOC2 Type 2 certification and employee NDAs.	Provides dedicated teams and project managers for a more managed and customised approach.
LabelBox	Primarily a data labeling platform with managed services as an add-on. Focuses on tools building for in-house teams.	Offers access to a global community of experts ("Alignerrs") for its managed services.	Provides features for quality control and security, with enterprise options for compliance.	Designed for teams who want control over their own labeling workflows with platform customisation.
Guildhawk	Boutique company focused on multilingual data labeling and annotation, with an emphasis on linguistic expertise and cultural nuance.	In-house model with a dedicated team of developers and expert linguists fully project managed using ISO:9001 certified quality controls.	Linguists are bound by NDAs, and the company has strict protocols to ensure confidentiality (ISO:27001; proprietary datalake verified by linguists)	Hyper-personalised service with a dedicated project manager offering tailored solutions to client’s needs.

Get in touch with one of our friendly consultants to explore the possibility of data labelling and the work we are currently doing.

When should you choose Guildhawk?

Choosing the right data labeling partner depends entirely on the specific needs of your project. Guildhawk's unique model makes it an ideal choice for organisations that prioritise linguistic precision, data security, and personalised collaboration. You should consider Guildhawk if your project involves:

Multilingual data: Projects where accurate translation and cultural nuance are critical, such as training a conversational AI for a new market or analyzing multilingual sentiment.

Highly sensitive data: If your data contains confidential information, intellectual property, or personal details, Guildhawk's in-house developers and ISO:27001 certified information security controls and vetting of linguists creates a level of security and trust that crowdsourcing models cannot match.
Complex and specialised domains: When you need more than just a literal translation of labels, but rather deep subject matter expertise. Guildhawk's linguist-driven approach and government-backed research and development into automated labelling methodologies ensures that the context and specific terminology of your industry are accurately captured.
A collaborative approach: If you prefer working closely with a dedicated project manager who can provide custom solutions and direct oversight, rather than managing a self-serve platform.

Conclusion: finding the right partner

While many companies offer impressive platforms and large-scale crowdsourcing, the key to successful labelling is the quality, security, and expertise of the human annotators.

Guildhawk stands out by offering a unique model built on linguistic expertise and direct employee engagement, ensuring that your most sensitive and complex multilingual data is handled with precision and care. Their in-house team of developers and certified linguists, combined with a commitment to stringent security protocols and a highly personalized approach, makes them a powerful choice for projects where quality, security, and cultural nuance are non-negotiable.

Don't let subpar data compromise your AI's potential. Partner with Guildhawk to ensure your models are built on a foundation of quality, trust, and accuracy.