Acting Attorney General Andrew J. Bruck today announced the launch of an online portal soliciting comment from the public on regulating the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement in New Jersey for investigative purposes.
As the accuracy of facial recognition technology has increased in recent years, so too has its use. Law enforcement agencies contend that this technology, when used properly, can lead investigators to suspects who would have otherwise remained unidentified. At the same time, critics warn that this technology, when used improperly, can undermine privacy and reinforce biases against people of color.
The Office of the Attorney General seeks to establish a statewide policy on the use of facial recognition technology that balances law enforcement’s legitimate interests in solving crimes with the public’s concern about a fast-evolving technology. The portal announced today is designed to solicit the views of stakeholders as the Office considers various policy options.
The portal is accessible at www.njoag.gov/facialrecognition, and will be open for submissions until March 11, 2022.
I left a suggestion on the portal, but one official – upon seeing my photo next to my suggestion – commented: “Just used the facial recognition technology on this commenter. He is an idiot, who leaves crazy comments on the Lakewood Scoop website. Please take all of his suggestions with a grain of salt! The face recognition profile tells us all we need to know about this moron!”
Bottom line: I don’t like this facial recognition technology.
Of course, none of the above is true, and none of it actually happened, but it could happen…., I think….. Could it?