In a controversial move, police and federal agencies are utilizing a new AI technology called Track to navigate around increasing restrictions on facial recognition. This tool, developed by Veritone, allows law enforcement to identify individuals based on physical attributes rather than facial features, raising significant privacy concerns.
Key Takeaways
- Track Technology: An AI model that identifies individuals using attributes like body size, gender, and clothing.
- Widespread Use: Over 400 law enforcement agencies and federal departments are adopting this tool.
- Privacy Concerns: Critics warn that Track poses similar privacy risks as facial recognition, potentially leading to abuse.
- Legal Loopholes: The technology exploits gaps in laws that restrict biometric data usage.
The Rise of Track Technology
Veritone’s Track technology has emerged as a solution for police departments facing bans on facial recognition. The tool can analyze video footage to track individuals based on various physical characteristics, such as:
- Body size
- Gender
- Hair color and style
- Clothing and accessories
This capability allows law enforcement to create timelines of individuals’ movements across different locations, even when their faces are not visible.
Controversy and Criticism
The introduction of Track has sparked significant backlash from civil liberties organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Critics argue that:
- Privacy Invasion: The tool could lead to unprecedented levels of surveillance, allowing police to monitor individuals without their consent.
- Potential for Abuse: There are fears that the technology could be misused, particularly in politically sensitive contexts, such as monitoring protests or immigrant communities.
- Legal Ambiguities: Track operates in a gray area of the law, as it does not rely on biometric data, which is often defined narrowly in legislation.
Expanding Use in Law Enforcement
Track is already being used by various state and local police departments, as well as federal agencies like the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. The technology is designed to enhance investigations by:
- Allowing the analysis of footage from diverse sources, including body cameras, drones, and public videos.
- Enabling law enforcement to track individuals over time, even when they are not directly identifiable by their faces.
The Future of Surveillance Technology
As laws limiting facial recognition continue to spread, tools like Track may become increasingly attractive to law enforcement. The technology’s ability to circumvent these restrictions raises important questions about:
- Ethical Use: How can police ensure that they use this technology responsibly and without infringing on civil liberties?
- Regulatory Oversight: Will there be sufficient regulations in place to prevent misuse and protect citizens’ rights?
In conclusion, while Track offers law enforcement a powerful tool for identifying individuals, it also presents significant challenges regarding privacy and civil liberties. As this technology continues to evolve, it will be crucial for lawmakers and society to address the implications of its use.
Sources
- How a new type of AI is helping police skirt facial recognition bans, MIT Technology Review.
