Out of My Face!: Using Public Records to Understand Government's Facial Recognition Use

Facial recognition’s use is growing. There are good odds a database already has your face. Government interest in AI use is expanding throughout policing, public benefits, and its other responsibilities, and grassroots activists are critical to keeping use of this tech in check. Public records can help them do that. We’ll learn how to use freedom of information laws to demystify the what, why, and how of government’s technology. We’ll discuss facial recognition’s uses and abuses, the cities that have banned it and the countries that have made it an everywhere and everyday reality. This workshop will be an opportunity to share experiences, skills, and strategy (definitely no technical know-how needed). By comparing notes and concerns, we’ll leave more excited and prepared to consider what, in an ultra-connected society, transparent and responsible AI use can mean for our local and global communities.