Several police departments in the U.S. are generating leads by feeding “all manner of ‘probe photos’” into facial recognition software, reported a study published on Thursday by the Georgetown Law Center on Privacy and technology.
Images such as CGI renderings, manipulated pictures and even celebrity photos are being submitted for comparison with police records and driving license databases.
The study comes in the wake of San Francisco’s Tuesday vote. SF voted to ban the use of facial recognition software by government and agencies, becoming the first U.S. city to pass such kind of legislation.
According to Clare Garvie, senior associate at the Georgetown Law Center and author of the research, facial recognition systems “threaten to fundamentally change the nature of our public spaces”. Garvie added that “in the absence of rules requiring agencies to publish when, how, and why they’re using this technology, we really have no sense [of how often law enforcement is relying on it]”.
…
Become a Member and Keep Reading…
Reclaim your digital freedom. Get the latest on censorship, cancel culture, and surveillance, and learn how to fight back.
Already a supporter? Sign In.
Read more
