Police Use of Amazon Facial Recognition Software on Hold

Police Use of Amazon Facial Recognition Software on Hold

One-year pause on use of Recognition for law enforcement

Amazon’s facial recognition software has been a staple for police departments, using the program to provide identities on cold bases. Prisons and jails in Florida also have been using the platform in its databases, storing thousands of mug shots of anyone who has ever been “behind bars.”

Cold-case resolution also has been a benefactor of Recognition.

Following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis by the aggressive policing of one of that city’s police officers, Amazon is withdrawing use of the software for law enforcement for a year. Amazon has not given a reason for its decision. Amazon posted a note blog note with its decision, though they also said they support federal regulation of facial recognition technology, hoping that the one-year timeframe will allow Congress “enough time to implement appropriate rules.”

Some cities, such as San Francisco, Oakland and Berkeley, CA, have banned the use of this technology by public agencies, citing the use of machine learning algorithms to automatically detect human faces in digital video, matching them to names as a too great of risk to privacy.

Only two days before the Amazon decision, IBM announced it was departing the facial recognition business, citing ethical concerns. Amazon has been one of the leading providers of facial recognition technology to law enforcement agencies in recent years, a role that has drawn criticism.

“IBM firmly opposes and will not condone uses of any (facial recognition) technology, including facial recognition technology offered by other vendors, for mass surveillance, racial profiling, violations of basic human rights and freedoms,” wrote Arvind Krishna, in a letter to Congress. Krishna is the CEO of IBM.

In 2019, California law banned the use of facial recognition software — and any other biometric surveillance that can identify people by tattoo, gait or other individually distinguishable characteristics — on photos or video collected by law enforcement agencies.

The text of the law summarized the concerns about the use of the technology, calling its potential widespread application the "functional equivalent of requiring every person to show a personal photo identification card at all times in violation of recognized constitutional rights," regardless of consent.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • Collaboration Made Easy Using a Work Management Platform

    Effective collaboration between security operators, teams and other departments is critical to the smooth functioning of organizations. Yet, as organizations grow in complexity, it becomes more difficult for teams to coordinate with each other. This is compounded by staffing shortages, turnover and ineffective collaboration tools. Read Now

  • Creating a Safer World

    Managing and supporting locks and door hardware within a facility is a big responsibility. A building’s security needs to change over time as occupancy and use demands evolve, which can make it even more challenging. Read Now

  • Creating More Versatility

    Today, AI has become top of mind for most security professionals. It is the topic of conversation in the technology world and continues to transform the way data is used to make important business decisions. Read Now

  • Report: 78 Percent of CISOs Seeing Significant Impact from AI-Powered Cyber Threats

    Darktrace recently unveiled its 2025 State of AI Cybersecurity report. The findings reveal that 78% of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) surveyed say that AI-powered threats are having a significant impact on their organizations, a 5% increase1 from 2024. While an increasing number of CISOs report feeling a significant impact from AI threats, more than 60% now say that they are adequately prepared to defend against these threats, an increase of nearly 15% year-over-year. However, insufficient AI knowledge and skills and a shortage of personnel and talent continue to be listed as the two top inhibitors to a successful defense. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • 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.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • 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.