Futures

The Urgent Need to Ban Police Use of Face Recognition Technology in the U.S., (from page 20250202.)

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Themes

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Summary

The use of face recognition technology (FRT) by police is deemed dangerous and invasive, leading to wrongful arrests and violations of civil liberties. Reports reveal that police often neglect established protocols, arresting individuals based solely on computer matches, as seen in the cases of Christopher Galtin and Jason Vernau, who were wrongfully arrested after being misidentified. The technology has a troubling history of inaccuracies, particularly for people with darker skin tones, prompting a growing movement among U.S. cities to ban its use. Despite claims of procedural safeguards by law enforcement, the misuse of FRT remains prevalent, raising concerns about its implications for civil rights and the need for legislative action to restrict police access to such technologies.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Growing Movement Against FRT Cities in the U.S. are increasingly moving to ban police use of face recognition technology. Shift from acceptance of FRT in policing to a movement advocating for its ban. In 10 years, police may have significantly reduced or no access to face recognition technology. Public outcry and evidence of wrongful arrests are driving the movement against FRT. 5
Increased Awareness of Bias Awareness of racial bias in face recognition technology is gaining traction. From ignorance of bias in FRT to a recognized issue affecting marginalized communities. In 10 years, there may be stricter regulations on technology to prevent racial bias in law enforcement. Activists and scholars are pushing for accountability and reform in tech use by police. 4
Legal Consequences for Police Departments Police departments are facing lawsuits and legal consequences for wrongful arrests due to FRT. Transition from unregulated use of FRT to legal accountability for police overreach. In 10 years, there may be significant legal frameworks governing the use of FRT by law enforcement. Increasing legal scrutiny and public pressure are motivating changes in police practices. 4
Public Trust in Law Enforcement Decline Trust in police is declining due to misuse of technology and wrongful arrests. Shift from public trust in police to widespread skepticism and calls for reform. In 10 years, the relationship between communities and police may be fundamentally altered, prioritizing accountability. Repeated instances of wrongful arrests and surveillance abuses are eroding public trust. 5
Demand for Civil Liberties Protection There is a rising demand for protections against invasive police technologies. Transition from passive acceptance of police surveillance to active demands for civil liberties. In 10 years, there may be stronger legal protections for civil liberties against law enforcement technologies. Growing awareness of civil rights violations is driving public demand for protective measures. 4

Concerns

name description relevancy
Misuse of Face Recognition Technology Police misuse face recognition technology, leading to wrongful arrests and violations of protocol, posing a major threat to civil liberties. 5
Racial Bias in Face Recognition Face recognition technology disproportionately misidentifies individuals from Black communities, resulting in wrongful arrests and systemic racism in policing. 5
Erosion of Trust in Law Enforcement Continual abuses and wrongful arrests undermine public trust in police, particularly regarding the use of advanced technologies. 4
Lack of Accountability and Oversight Failure to adhere to established protocols for FRT usage indicates a troubling lack of accountability within law enforcement agencies. 4
Threat to Civil Liberties Potential for face recognition technology to be misused for surveillance against protestors or dissenters, threatening individual freedoms. 5
Inadequate Regulatory Framework Current regulations lack the strength to prevent misuse of face recognition technology by police, necessitating a complete ban. 4

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Ban on Police Use of Face Recognition Cities are increasingly moving to ban the use of face recognition technology by police due to its dangers and inaccuracies. 5
Public Awareness of Misuse Growing public awareness and outrage regarding wrongful arrests linked to face recognition technology misuse by police. 5
Civil Rights Advocacy Increased advocacy from scholars and activists focusing on civil rights violations associated with face recognition technology. 4
Policy Reform in Law Enforcement Law enforcement agencies are beginning to implement stricter guidelines following public outcry and legal battles over wrongful arrests. 4
Technological Skepticism A growing skepticism towards law enforcement’s use of advanced technologies, especially when it comes to civil liberties. 5
Community Surveillance Concerns Heightened concerns regarding the surveillance of marginalized communities, particularly Black individuals, using face recognition technology. 5

Technologies

description relevancy src
A biometric technology that identifies or verifies a person by analyzing facial features from images or videos. 5 eeccf9ca35f4f9a7f55fd80508c92d66
The use of drones equipped with cameras for monitoring and surveillance purposes, including crowd identification. 4 eeccf9ca35f4f9a7f55fd80508c92d66

Issues

name description relevancy
Misuse of Face Recognition Technology by Police Police routinely misapply face recognition technology, leading to wrongful arrests and violations of protocol. 5
Disproportionate Impact on Black Communities Face recognition technology exhibits lower accuracy for individuals with darker skin tones, leading to racial bias in arrests. 5
Civil Liberties Concerns The potential for police to misuse face recognition, particularly in surveillance of protests, raises significant civil liberties issues. 5
Public Call for Bans on Face Recognition Growing movement across U.S. cities to ban police use of face recognition technology due to its dangers. 5
Accountability in Law Enforcement Technology Use Need for strict guidelines and accountability regarding technology use in law enforcement to prevent misuse. 4