This is how you kick facial recognition out of your town

Bans on the technology have mostly focused on law enforcement, but there’s a growing movement to get it out of schools, parks, and private businesses too, reports Angela Chen.

A paradox: Although cops in San Francisco can’t use facial recognition tech on someone they’ve arrested, a landlord can use it on a tenant, and a school can use it on students. This is despite the fact that people in the US feel better about the cops using it than private businesses.

Growing momentum: A movement is pushing to curtail private surveillance, using three main tactics: firstly old-school corporate pressure, like a campaign pressurizing festivals not to use facial recognition technology. Secondly, there’s pressure to legislate to stop companies using the tech, too. And finally, there’s work underway to restrict it using existing laws.

In practice: The distinction between government and private facial recognition is a false one, and the private sector is pushing for a say in how it’s regulated. That’s why a multi-pronged strategy is necessary. Read the full story here.