Biometric Surveillance and Bias

As noted through my previous post, the existing facial recognition algorithms are not trained or tested on non-diverse datasets. This is why many civil libertarians have raised critical questions about the privacy implications of facial recognization technology. In an article by Christina Couch, they cite the research of other scholars regarding the problem with facial recognition algorithms (Para. 3). They note that many of those “algorithms are made in the U.S. are frequently trained and evaluated using data sets that contain far more photos of white faces. And are generally tested and quality controlled by teams of engineers who aren’t likely to have dark skin” (Para. 4). This is problematic because these algorithms are better at identifying lighter-skinned people (Para. 4).

Likewise, she mentions that “there are laws that could provide some protection against algorithmic bias, but they aren’t comprehensive and have loopholes” (Para. 20). This can be connected to an Article by Mark G. Milone, where he discusses the utility and potential dangers of biometric technology (499). He states that facial recognition systems use computer-linked cameras to scan faces and compare them with electronic photographs stored in data. This software can scan a stream of images from a crowd for individual faces using a mathematical formula, match them against images in a database (501). There is much legal uncertainly toward this technology (503). Because all fifty states recognize the right to privacy, however, state laws do not address visual surveillance (503) Although this technology can be used for protection(499). It can also facilitate the tracking of individuals in ways we may not even realize, which can affect our fundamental rights to privacy (499). This article helps analysis whether existing laws are equipped to address the spread of biometric surveillance (499). Together these articles illustrate the dangers of deploying such software like facial recognition. Which is unregulated by the law. Also, if it is inaccurately identifying certain people of color this can also lead to further violations of civil liberties.

Work Cited

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