Washington State Senate Adopts Legislation To Regulate Facial Recognition Statewide

While a senate bill would largely ban government agencies from using facial recognition for ongoing surveillance, other legislators are pushing for a full moratorium on the software.

  • By Haley Samsel
  • Feb 21, 2020

As Congress weighs implementing restrictions on the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement and government agencies, Washington state senators are taking action on the state level.

Senators approved a bill on Wednesday that bans state and local government agencies from using facial recognition for ongoing surveillance in cases that do not involve a search warrant, according to The Seattle Times. A government agency can also determine that ongoing facial recognition use is necessary in some emergencies, such as if people are at risk of dying.

“Right now, facial-recognition technology is being used unchecked and with little recourse,” Sen. Joe Nguyen, a Democrat, said during a speech before the bill passed. “And tech companies generally don’t care about the moral values of the products they are creating.”

An agency worker with training on facial recognition must also review any decisions made about the use of the software under the legislation. The worker must have the authority to change the decision, particularly in cases where facial recognition is being used to determine the granting or denying of loans, health care, housing or employment.

SB 6280 also sets standards for training that government employees receive on how to handle personal data, such as facial scans. If the bill is adopted, government agencies must issue annual reports on how they use the technology and hold community meetings on those reports, the Times reported.

Lawmakers in the state House are pushing for a moratorium on government use of facial recognition, with one bill proposing a ban until July 1, 2023. The bill passed a House committee but did not receive a full vote before a key deadline on Wednesday, according to the Times.

Some legislators are calling for a compromise between Nguyen and the more strict House bill, with Republican Rep. Matt Boehnke suggesting a one-year moratorium so legislators can determine how facial recognition is currently being used by the government and how to properly regulate it.

The controversy surrounding facial recognition, and its accuracy in identifying people of color and women, continues to brew across the country. Several cities have banned government use of the software, and critics cite a federal study issued in December finding that most facial recognition algorithms in the U.S. are less accurate for people of color, particularly African-Americans and Native Americans.

About the Author

Haley Samsel is an Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. 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.

  • 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.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.