
bi-Partisan. Multi-faith. student run. fighting for a just, free, And sane digital world since 2018.
Facial Recognition and Discrimination
#NeigHborsNotNumbers


Facial Recognition is already happening.
And we already know that it's inaccurate, racially biased,
and probably unconstitutional.
Yes, we know: Facial Recognition technology sounds like a bad episode of Black Mirror.
But police departments around the country are already using it.
And since legal scholars have already -- extensively -- proven that police use of facial recognition is inaccurate and discriminatory (and plenty of lawyers and judges are worried that facial recognition violates privacy and free speech rights), it's no surprise that advocates
from the left and the right
(and major figures like IBM and the Pope)
have called for its regulation
(or banning it outright).
#DONTTAKEMYFACE Victories
Together with other activists and organizations, the IDH advocated for legislation that would prevent the Minneapolis Police Department from using facial recognition software. Ultimately, the ban passed!
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While this is a huge victory for digital rights, there's presently no nation-wide regulation on bias facial recognition software. Be encouraged, and remember:
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The Fight is Not Over.
FACial recognition harms
Facial Recognition raises concerns about human rights violations.
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Facial recognition technology allows the police to identify and surveil people (a) without their knowledge, and (b) without time or location limits, meaning we live in a new era of potentially limitless and nonstop surveillance
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This police surveillance has a chilling effect on people’s 1st amendment rights to free speech, freedom of association, and participation in the political process and civic life
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Constant surveillance discourages people from sharing their opinions; associating with those who have differing opinions; and participating in the political process, leading to a less vibrant and more tense social and political landscape
How Reliable is Facial Recognition Software, and Should it be Used for Policing?

So why is the public still asleep on the fight against facial recognition? And why haven't programmers and policy makers fixed it?

