Syracuse Lawmakers Ban Facial Recognition Technology to Protect Civil Rights
Syracuse, New York, has taken a significant step in regulating the use of biometric surveillance technologies by banning facial recognition technology in public establishments. The Common Council unanimously approved the local law, making Syracuse the second municipality in the state to enact such a ban. This decision follows growing concerns about the civil rights implications of biometric technologies, which have been criticized for their high error rates, particularly in identifying people of color, the elderly, and members of the LGBTQ community. The law, which also prohibits other biometric identification methods like fingerprint and DNA scanning, aims to prevent potential civil rights threats. The measure now awaits a public hearing and the decision of Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens. If she vetoes the law, the council can override her decision with a two-thirds majority. 
