City of Orlando Testing Amazon’s Facial Recognition Tech

City of Orlando Testing Amazon’s Facial Recognition Tech

Amazon’s facial recognition software, called Rekognition, analyzes footage from video surveillance and works to identify the people in it by scanning their faces and searching databases.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • Oct 22, 2018

The city of Orlando will be moving forward with a second test of Amazon’s facial recognition technology, it announced Thursday. The city’s previous testing period last six months and ended in June.

Amazon’s facial recognition software, called Rekognition, analyzes footage from video surveillance and works to identify the people in it by scanning their faces and searching databases. Rekognition can ID as many as 100 people in a single image, even if their faces aren’t clearly visible, according to Amazon.

Orlando said the second pilot test of the Rekognition software began Thursday and would last nine months, during which time the technology will not be used in an investigative capacity.

According to the city, no images of the public will be used in this testing period; only those of Orlando Police officers who volunteered to participate. The test will include eight video streams from cameras owned by the city: four at Orlando Police Department headquarters, three cameras in undisclosed public Orlando spaces and one more unnamed city facility.

After the second testing period concludes, the police department will decide whether to continue to use Rekognition. If they choose to continue, the city will then explore purchasing Rekognition for use and develop a policy for its use.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.