This page addresses common questions about facial recognition and biometric systems, including how they are used, why they raise privacy and civil liberties concerns, and what safeguards are necessary to prevent misuse. The answers below focus on facts, policy, and the long-term implications of biometric technology in public and private systems.
Biometric data includes physical or behavioral identifiers such as facial geometry, fingerprints, iris scans, voice patterns, and gait. Unlike passwords, biometric identifiers are permanent and cannot be changed once compromised.
Facial recognition enables persistent identification and tracking without consent. Once deployed at scale, it allows individuals to be identified in public spaces, linked across databases, and monitored without warrants or individualized suspicion.
Biometric data is immutable. If exposed, misused, or shared, individuals cannot reset or revoke it. This permanence creates long-term security, civil liberties, and identity risks unmatched by traditional identifiers.
In most cases, no. Many biometric programs are implemented by agencies or vendors without explicit statutory mandates, often framed as “optional” despite being functionally required to access services.
Centralized biometric databases create high-value targets for breaches, enable function creep, and increase the risk of misuse across agencies, contractors, or future administrations with different priorities.
Evidence shows mixed results. Traditional methods document verification, audits, and due process can prevent fraud without permanent biometric collection or mass surveillance infrastructure.
Yes. Numerous studies have shown higher error rates for women, older adults, and people with darker skin tones, leading to misidentification, denial of services, or wrongful enforcement actions.
True consent requires a meaningful alternative. If individuals must submit biometric data to access essential services, consent is effectively coerced rather than voluntary.
We support limits, moratoriums, or bans on facial recognition and biometric surveillance; strong data-minimization rules; transparency requirements; opt-out protections; and accountability for misuse or overreach.
People can attend events, contact lawmakers, submit public comments, share research, support advocacy efforts, and help raise awareness about the long-term consequences of biometric surveillance.