Facial recognition limits in Anchorage Assembly.

The Anchorage Assembly Approves Limits on Facial Recognition Technology for Surveillance

The Anchorage Assembly passed a measure on Tuesday that places strict limits on the use of facial recognition technology for surveillance by the municipality.

The legislation bans the municipality and city staff from using the technology “in conjunction with, or as a component of any real-time surveillance or surveillance technology.” The aim of the legislation is to protect privacy rights and prevent misuse of the rapidly evolving technology, according to Assembly member Joey Sweet, who proposed the restrictions.

Facial recognition technology uses biometrics to map a person’s facial features and compares it with known faces in a database, such as mugshots and driver’s license photos, to find a match. The use of facial recognition has been increasingly employed by law enforcement and federal agencies. However, Anchorage police do not currently use the technology, according to police officials.

Concerns with Facial Recognition Technology

Several concerns with the technology were raised by Assembly members, including the fact that it disproportionately misidentifies people of color, according to several studies. Users can also adjust the confidence threshold of facial recognition systems, increasing the potential for misuse and misidentification.

Exceptions to the Ban

The new city law does have exceptions, permitting Anchorage police to work with third-party agencies that use the technology, such as the FBI, to identify human remains, missing persons, suspected victims of sex trafficking, and child abuse or exploitation. City employees can also continue using the technology on devices, such as cellphones, that come equipped with facial recognition features to unlock the phone.

In addition, the legislation lays out a process for Anchorage police or city departments to seek additional exceptions in the future, allowing for potential use of facial recognition technology as it evolves. A public hearing and Assembly approval will be required for any exceptions granted, according to the measure.

Mayor’s Proposed Legislation Rejected by Assembly

Mayor Dave Bronson proposed a different version of the ordinance, which the Assembly ultimately did not consider. Bronson’s version would have added broad exceptions for the Anchorage Police Department to use facial recognition technology for 14 “authorized uses,” including identifying those believed to be a danger to themselves or others and those detained by police among other exceptions.

Assembly Approval

Ten of the Assembly members voted to approve the measure, while one member, Randy Sulte, voted against it. The measure was praised by Assembly member Felix Rivera as a proactive step to protect constituents from what he calls an unreliable and potentially harmful technology that could invade privacy rights.