Facial recognition technology represents the most recent advancement in surveillance, with a lengthy history of monitoring and controlling people’s movements. This technology has resulted in numerous instances of mistaken identity, including the regrettable detentions of Amara Majeed, Robert Williams, and Randal Reid.
In the United States, law enforcement officers are not mandated to disclose their utilization of facial recognition technology for identifying suspects, which can lead to potential misidentifications. As a form of biometric surveillance, facial recognition technology is crafted to observe and regulate individuals’ movements based on their distinctive physical attributes.
Sharrona Pearl’s book, “Do I Know You? From Face Blindness to Super Recognition,” delves into the historical, medical, racial, psychological, and political aspects of facial surveillance. The encroachments on privacy and constraints on free movement brought about by this technology persist in upholding the objectives of biometric surveillance.
Facial recognition technology functions by converting captured faces into distinct data points for comparison with existing images. Despite enhancements in accuracy and speed, the technology is not exempt from biases. Research has demonstrated that it disproportionately misidentifies Black and Asian individuals compared to white people.
The biased nature of facial recognition technology is deeply entrenched in its design and purpose, resulting in the explicit or implicit targeting of already marginalized communities. Despite advancements in minimizing error rates, these biases endure and continue to disproportionately impact certain communities.
Facial recognition technology has its roots in a lengthy history of monitoring and categorizing individuals, stemming from the antiquated notion that physical characteristics offer a unique indicator of character and identity. This practice has been employed for criminal justice detection and border control, with the incorporation of photographs into passports in the early 20th century playing a significant role in its development.
Initial research into face recognition software was funded by government agencies for border surveillance. Over time, private companies have adopted this technology for profitability, leading to its widespread use in various applications such as unlocking phones, boarding planes, and even in promotional store kiosks.
In contemporary society, facial recognition technology has invaded the privacy of everyone, with governmental and private entities utilizing it for surveillance and tracking. It particularly targets those who are deemed to pose the greatest risk by society and its structural biases.
Sharrona Pearl, an Associate Professor of Medical Ethics and History at Drexel University, elucidates the implications of facial recognition technology. It is evident that the impact of this technology extends beyond mere surveillance, affecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals.
The Conversation serves as an independent and non-profit source of news, analysis, and commentary from academic experts. Through informed discussions and expert insights, individuals gain a deeper comprehension of the pervasive influence of facial recognition technology on society and privacy.
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