San Francisco: Prohibits face recognition technology

Ban the use of technology face recognition voted on San Francisco - the first American city to do so.

Η This emerging technology will not be allowed to be used by local services, such as the city's transportation authorities, or law enforcement agencies. According to the BBC, additional plans to purchase new types of surveillance technology will have to be approved by the local government.

Proponents of her case have been working to make the actual transcript of this statement available online. His opponents claim that in this way the efforts of the authorities to fight crime are hindered.

«With this vote, San Francisco declares that face recognition technology is incompatible with a healthy democracy and that residents deserve to have a voice in decisions about high-tech surveillance.Said Matt Kagl, of the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California. "We applaud the city that listened to its society and shows the way forward with this important legislation. "Other cities should set an example and take such security measures to protect the security and rights of citizens."

The measure was voted by the "supervisors" of the city (supervisors - representatives of areas of the city) with 8-1, with two absent. It is expected to officially become a city law in a second ballot next week.

«Instead of a total ban, we believe a moratorium would be preferableSaid Joel Engardio, vice president of Stop Crime SF. «We agree that there are problems with face recognition technology and should not be used today. But technology will improve and be a useful tool for public safety if used responsibly. We should keep the door open for this to happen».

It is noted that these new rules do not apply to security measures at the airport or port of San Francisco, as they are managed by federal and not local services.

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