California Becomes Third State to Ban Facial Recognition Software in Police Body Cameras

California Becomes Third State to Ban Facial Recognition Software in Police Body Cameras

The measure, which will last until at least 2023, does not ban police from using facial recognition in other types of cameras.

California will become the third state in the U.S. to ban facial recognition technology in police body cameras after Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, signed a measure into law on Tuesday. 

AB1215, which will go into effect on Jan. 1, bans biometric surveillance technology in body cameras as well as taking body camera footage and running it through facial recognition software later. However, police are not banned from using the technology on other cameras, and federal law enforcement could potentially use the software while operating in California. 

Originally passed in September, the California law echoes efforts across the country to prevent law enforcement from using facial recognition in their investigations. Oregon and New Hampshire already have laws in place banning police from using it in body cameras, and cities like San Francisco and Oakland have forbidden it altogether. 

No police agencies in California currently use facial recognition right now, according to the California Peace Officers’ Association. State Rep. Phil Ting, who led the effort to ban the technology alongside other criminal justice legislation, said the law was intended to prevent California from becoming a “police state.” 

"We wanted to introduce legislation before it became a major issue,” Ting told reporters in September. “This is not just a California concern, this is a national concern, people have really … been much more sensitive to their privacy recently.”

In August, Ting and 25 other California lawmakers were misidentified by facial recognition software as criminals in a law enforcement database, according to a study published by the ACLU of California. Other research has found that the software is less accurate when it comes to correctly identifying women and people of color. 

As lawmakers consider policies that would ban facial recognition in other areas, including federal public housing, law enforcement groups and security companies are urging caution in implementing bans on the software. Late last month, a group of 39 police groups and tech organizations sent an open letter to Congress calling for regulation over outright bans. 

“While we agree that it is important to have effective oversight and accountability of these tools to uphold and protect civil liberties, we disagree that a ban is the best option to move forward,” the letter reads. “Bans would keep this important tool out of the hands of law enforcement officers, making it harder for them to do their jobs efficiently, stay safe, and protect our communities.”

The California ban will last until at least 2023, when the measure expires and legislators will decide whether or not to renew it. 

 

About the Author

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

Featured

New Products

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.