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

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.

Cities That "Banned" The Use

In some cases, notably Austin and San Francisco, the local police are asking their colleagues in other cities where this type of biometric monitoring and surveillance is allowed to assist them. The bans took effect in Austin and San Francisco in 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Our review of police documents, covering the period since then, revealed how "outside agencies" were contacted by the two police departments - and to what effect.

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