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Clearview AI Founded
The company founded in 2016 was the first to incoporate machine learning and social media scrappers to create their facial recognition database. The company claims to serve over a thousand law enforcement agencies, and sparked many controversies over the ethical question of how they employ social media to create their database. -
MIT study identifies racial bias in FACE++
The study showcased how the Microsoft and IBM backed FACE++ facial recognition software had deep race disparities in how its AI was programmed. MIT researchers found out that the program, which was being used by both law enforcement agencies and private security firms, had much higher error rates with black females compared to white males. -
Facial Recognition Efficacy and Masks
Amid the Covid-19 Pandemic, Japan's NEC Corp launched a facial recognition software that has 99% efficacy in identifying individuals while masked. NEC was then sold to private firms, including security in airports and private security companies, showing how quickly facial recognition adapts to new trends. -
Amazon extends ban on law enforcement usage of Rekognition
Amazon ceases to offer Rekognition, their facial recognition software, to law enforcement agencies, indefinitely. They had originally halted sales following the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, and this ban extension came after intense criticisms from activist groups, primarily the American Civil Liberties Union. -
Pew Research Center poll showcases most Americans view face recognition use by police as good.
A Pew Research Center study revealed that the plurality of the American public is more likely to see facial recognition use by police as good, rather than bad for society. The study also showcases that most people don't think that facial recognition software will substantially change the crime rates. Lastly, it also showcases that the main belief in Americans is that it might help identify suspects at the primary cost of one's privacy. -
Governments Reverse Bans on Facial Recognition in Law Enforcement
In July of 2022 both the New Orleans legislature and the Virginia state legislature reversed previous bans on facial recognition technology. This trend comes as new developments in open source facial recognition occur and new ethical guidelines are established by the community. Both legislatures also cited how AI and facial recognition should be used as an independent lead, not as the clear cut proof. -
TSA Rolls Out Facial Recognition Software on Airports
In the 2022 Holiday season, TSA launched a pilot facial recognition program in 12 airports across the country. The tech-forward initiative is in place at the nation's busiest airports, and while technically opt-out, experts state that this is a convenience trap, where opting out can lead to many more steps in going through security.