Your Face Is Not a Bar Code

Phil Agre has a solid essay opposing automatic face recognition systems in public areas. These uses are only going to increase, because the technology is cheap (enough) and appealing to authorities everywhere; it's good to have some arguments to hand for opposing the spread of the cameras.

Comments

Bow to the inevitable and kiss freedom goodbye.

[crovira]

Sadly, the same biometric mechaisms which will make transactions over the internet completely secure will also make it impossible for people to hide outside of their own homes (and many governments will try to put them inside as well.)

Since surveillance cameras are cheap, can be unobtrusive, (can you tell me where the cameras are around you?) always there and always on, the powers that be will use them to implement surveilance that's just as pervasive.

Since these cameras will be installed in community owned spaces surveying community owned property, you'll have absolutely no say in the matter.

In fact, the excuses will be that the surveilance is mandated and demanded by a responsable community.

I hear Ted Kazinski's cabin is for sale.