December 12, 2024
3:45 PM ET

Banned But Not Blocked: How Some US Police Departments Navigate Around Facial Recognition Prohibitions

Facial recognition bans are being undermined as police in cities like Austin and San Francisco find loopholes.

Didi Rankovic

Facial recognition technology poses significant risks to privacy and civil liberties by indiscriminately scanning and analyzing the faces of everyone in its view, effectively treating every individual as a potential suspect. This pervasive surveillance can lead to a chilling effect on free expression, as people may alter their behavior knowing they are constantly under watch.

Despite the authorities in their cities banning the use of facial recognition, several large police departments in the US are actively seeking – and finding – workarounds.

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