Portland Seeks to Become First City in Maine to Ban Facial Recognition Technology -- Security Today

Portland Seeks to Become First City in Maine to Ban Facial Recognition Technology

The ban seeks to prohibit the use of all facial recognition technology by city officials and employees in Portland, Maine.

By Sherelle Black
Nov 18, 2019

Portland, Maine is looking to join Berkeley, San Francisco and Oakland, California in banning facial recognition technology.

City council members of Maine’s largest city met Monday to consider a proposal that would ban the technology.

“Concerns about loss of privacy and civil rights matters have arisen with the advent of facial recognition technology,” the order read in the agenda for Monday night’s meeting.

If approved, Portland would become the first city in Maine to ban facial recognition technology.

San Francisco was the first city in the nation to ban the technology back in May.

There would be “no exceptions.” The ban would include the city’s law enforcement officers as well, reported News Center Maine.

It also includes identification tools used by city employees, reported WGME.

About the Author

Sherelle Black is a Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces
- Access Control
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
- Artificial Intelligence
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
- Artificial Intelligence
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 However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents.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
- IP Video
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
- Cybersecurity

Security Today eNews

Sign up today for essential industry news and product information that can help you stay afloat in the fast-paced world of security.

Email Address*Country*

Please type the letters/numbers you see above.

Webinars

Whitepapers

New Products

HD2055 Modular Barricade

Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.
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.
Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.