DHS Enhances AI and Facial Recognition Efforts, Issues Survey Request
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued an Information Collection Request (ICR) to assess the public’s perception of technology for national security. In recent years, DHS has investigated potential applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and facial recognition Americans might encounter.
IBM, Amazon Halt Use of Facial Recognition for Law Enforcement
Several companies have announced plans to suspend cooperation with the federal government on facial recognition technology. Both IBM and Amazon announced this week concerns that, absent proper regulation, the technology could replicate biases that lead to racial profiling or improper use. Amazon has given the federal government one year to impose stronger regulations on the technology’s use.
Lawmakers Introduce Bill Requiring Federal Law Enforcement Obtain a Warrant for Facial Recognition
Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Mike Lee (R-UT) have introduced legislation requiring federal law enforcement to obtain a court order before using facial recognition technology for public surveillance. Lawmakers have described the legislation as an attempt to balance privacy concerns with law enforcement efforts.
TSA Begins Second Facial Recognition Trial at Las Vegas Airport
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has launched a 30-day proof of concept at the McCarren International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, Nevada for automating the identity verification portion of airport screenings using biometric technology. The technology uses live facial recognition to compare a traveler’s current image with their identification.