1Paper Outline: Facial Recognition Technology
Umar Manzoor
Clint Zeagler
Georgia Institute of Technology
04/10/2023
2
Use of Facial Recognition Technology in Public Spaces
Introduction
A. Background information on facial recognition technology
a) Perkowitz (2021) describes facial recognition technology as a form of a computerbased biometric system that uses distinctive facial features to identify and validate
people. This technology uses algorithms to assess distinctive features such as the
distance between the eyes, the shape of the nose, and the shape of the face.
b) Massive amounts of personal data may be collected using this technology, which
can also reinforce prejudice and discrimination against weaker groups. Concerns
about the technology’s use are further fueled by the possibility that it would be
employed for evil objectives like tracking political activists or focusing on particular
consumer groups.
c) As a result, safeguarding civil liberties and individual privacy should be a key
consideration while employing this technology (Hamann & Smith, 2019).
B. Thesis statement-Facial recognition technology in public spaces offers benefits
but poses privacy, civil rights, social justice, and corporate accountability issues.
II. Benefits of Facial Recognition Technology in Public Spaces
A. Improved Security
1. Swift identification of potential threats
According to Andrejevic and Selwyn (2020), the application of facial recognition
technology can enhance public safety and security. By promptly identifying
individuals, law enforcement can take preventative measures to mitigate any potential
harm to the public.
2. Examples of use in public spaces
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C. Personalized Customer Experiences
a. The use of facial recognition technology has the potential to improve security
measures in public areas like schools, airports, train stations, and sporting venues.
b) Rapid identification of individuals who may pose a security threat can allow
security personnel to take necessary precautions and avert possible danger (Hamann
& Smith, 2019).
1. Customized consumer experiences
Martinez (2019) suggested that facial recognition technology has potential
applications in retail and hospitality sectors for enhancing personalized consumer
experiences. In the retail industry, the technology could be utilized to recognize loyal
customers and provide them with customized discounts.
C. Improved Efficiency
1. Streamlined procedures
According to Moartines-Martin (2019), the technology has the potential to simplify
processes and enhance efficiency in numerous situations. An example of this is in
airports where technology can be employed to swiftly authenticate passengers’
identities, thereby expediting the boarding process.
III. Concerns about Facial Recognition Technology in Public Spaces
A. Invasion of Privacy-The technology constitutes a serious invasion of privacy for
many people (Leong, 2019).
1. Collection of personal data-Facial recognition technology can collect massive
amounts of personal data, including biometric data like face photographs (Hamann &
Smith, 2019). The information can be used to keep track of people’s whereabouts and
activities.
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2. Potential for data misuse- Concerns about Facial Recognition Technology in
Public Spaces
A. Invasion of Privacy-Numerous individuals consider technology to be a significant
infringement on their privacy (Leong, 2019).
1. Collection of personal data- Facial recognition technology has the capability to
gather extensive quantities of private information, such as biometric data in the form
of facial photographs. Such information can be utilized to monitor an individual’s
movements and behaviors.
2. Potential for data misuse- There are worries that governments and companies
may use the information gathered for questionable purposes (Leong, 2019).
Governments can use the data to target particular consumer groups or trace political
activists.
B. Civil Liberties
Advocates for privacy and civil liberties are concerned about more troubling
surveillance practices that technology companies continue to profit from (Hamann &
Smith, 2019).
1. Right to free speech and assembly-Concerns regarding the potential surveillance
and manipulation of people’s behavior are raised using facial recognition technology
in public places (Leong, 2019). These actions might violate their freedom of assembly
and free speech.
2. Discrimination against marginalized groups-The technology fosters biases and
discrimination against underrepresented groups, leading to potential civil rights
violations.
C. Corporate Accountability
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1. Lack of regulation-The usage of facial recognition technology currently needs to
be governed or regulated (Martinez-Martin, 2019). Concerns regarding the
responsibility of businesses and governments employing technology in public places
are continually being raised.
2. Potential for data misuse by businesses and governments-According to Peacher
(2021), face recognition technology can gather enormous quantities of personal data.
Therefore, there are worries about how businesses and governments may utilize this
data, including potential misuse for sinister purposes.
IV. Case Studies
A. China’s Social Credit System
1. Description of the system-The Chinese government’s system assigns a “social
credit score” based on behavior and social interactions, using facial recognition
technology and other data (Donnelly, 2021).
2. Implications for civil liberties-According to Donnelly (2021), the system has
been criticized for being used to control citizen behavior. It also limits civil liberties,
as those with low scores may be punished and restricted in various ways.
B. Detroit Police Department’s Use of Facial Recognition
1. Description of the program-The department’s use of facial recognition technology
to identify suspects and solve crimes (Perkowitz, 2021).
2. Controversies surrounding its use-The program have been controversial due to
concerns about accuracy and racial bias (Perkowitz, 2021). There is also a lack of
transparency and oversight, with some calling for a ban on the technology.
V. Alternatives to Facial Recognition Technology
A. Other biometric technologies
1. Fingerprint recognition
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2. Iris recognition
VI. Regulation and Oversight
A. Currently, only a few countries and industries are covered by the regulations for
facial recognition technology (Martinez-Martin, 2019).
B. This technology lacks methods for standardization and enforcement.
C. Clear legal guidelines, impartial supervision, and public involvement in decisionmaking are required (Peacher, 2021).
VII. Conclusion
a) While the use of face recognition technology in public places has the potential to
provide benefits like enhanced security and individualized customer experiences,
it also presents severe issues regarding privacy, civil rights, social justice, and
corporate accountability.
b) Massive amounts of personal data may be collected by technology, which can also
reinforce prejudice and discrimination against weaker groups.
c) Concerns about the technology’s use are further fueled by the possibility that it
would be employed for evil objectives like tracking political activists or focusing
on particular consumer groups (Perkowitz, 2021).
d) Consequently, preserving people’s privacy and civil rights should be a primary
priority when employing this technology.
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References
Andrejevic, M., & Selwyn, N. (2020). Facial recognition technology in schools:
Critical questions and concerns. Learning, Media and Technology, 45(2), 115128. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439884.2020.1686014
Donnelly, D. (2021). An introduction to the China social credit system. New
Horizons, p. 18.
Hamann, K., & Smith, R. (2019). Facial recognition technology. Criminal Justice,
34(1), 9-13. https://pceinc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/20190528-FacialRecognition-Article-3.pdf
Leong, B. (2019). Facial recognition and the future of privacy: I always feel like…
somebody is watching me. Bulletin of the atomic scientists, 75(3), 109–115.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00963402.2019.1604886
Martinez-Martin, N. (2019). What are the ethical implications of using facial
recognition technology in health care? AMA Journal of Ethics, 21(2), 180-187.
10.1001/amajethics.2019.180
Peacher, H. B. (2021). Regulating Facial Recognition Technology to Avoid a
Minority Report-like Surveillance State. Marq. Intell. Prop. & Innovation L.
Rev., pp. 25, 21.
Perkowitz, S. (2021). The bias in the machine: Facial recognition technology and
racial disparities. MIT Case Studies in Social and Ethical Responsibilities of
Computing https://doi. org/10.21428/2c646de5, 62272586(5), 15.
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Quality of Sources
The research has used only reliable academic journals as its sources. One is a
report from a reputable criminal justice organization, and three are scholarly journal
papers that have undergone peer review. Four are peer-reviewed articles, one of which
is a case study from a respectable academic organization. The sources address various
pressing issues, such as privacy, civil liberties, social justice, corporate responsibility,
and regulation. Most of the sources are published by respected authorities in the
industry, lending credence to the information. The sources give the study a solid
foundation and offer a variety of viewpoints and ideas.
The articles’ publication dates in 2019 and 2020 reflect the most current
advancements. In 2020, Andrejevic and Selwyn published in a recognized publication
for educational technology, Learning, Media, and Technology. The authors are
experts in media and communication studies. A reputable criminology magazine,
Criminal Justice, published Hamann and Smith’s work in 2019. The authors are
experts in forensic science and criminal justice. Leong (2019) wrote a piece in the
prestigious security and international relations magazine Bulletin of the Atomic
Scientists. The author is an expert on privacy and technology issues. The AMA
Journal of Ethics is a prestigious journal in the field of medical ethics that was
published in 2019 by Martinez-Martin. The author is a specialist in medical ethics.
Despite coming from various disciplines, the sources are all related to facial
recognition technology’s social, legal, and ethical ramifications.
However, more information is required to investigate the various nations’
current regulation levels and technology monitoring. There is a need for sources on
potential remedies to the problems caused by using face recognition technology. The
sources are more credible because they were written by experts in their disciplines
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and were taken from reputable academic publications. However, it will be crucial to
keep looking for new sources to ensure the subject has been thoroughly investigated
and well-informed. Other sources are required to address the subject’s particular
facets, such as facial recognition technology’s economic effects. It could also be
helpful to include sources examining how face recognition technology is used in
nations other than China and the US. That would offer a more global perspective.
1
Use of Facial Recognition Technology in Public Spaces
Umar Manzoor
Georgia Institute of Technology
CS-3001
Clint Zeagler
03/13/2023
2
Use of Facial Recognition Technology in Public Spaces
A computer-based biometric system called facial recognition technology uses facial traits to
recognize and authenticate people. The technique compares a photograph of a person’s face to a
database of known identities by using algorithms to assess distinctive traits, including the
separation between the eyes, the shape of the nose, and the curves of the face. In recent years,
law enforcement organizations, security corporations, and even private businesses have used
facial recognition technology to identify and track people in public places. The primary argument
presented by the study is that face recognition technology is not appropriate for use in public
settings.
Concerns about civil rights and privacy have piqued my interest in the topic. Facial recognition
technology can collect massive amounts of personal data, including biometric data like face
photographs. The information can keep track of people’s whereabouts and activities. Therefore, it
builds a thorough picture of their character and tastes. The technology constitutes a serious
invasion of privacy for many people (Leong, 2019). People may worry that their personal
information is being collected without their knowledge and consent and could be used for
nefarious purposes. Moreover, using facial recognition technology in public spaces raises
questions about civil liberties and the right to privacy. According to Leong (2019), people could
use technology to monitor and control people’s behavior. For example, the technology may track
people attending protests and other public gatherings, which could infringe on their right to free
speech and assembly. Therefore, the government can use technology to discriminate against
certain groups.
I am interested in the issue because it affects social justice and corporate accountability. Face
recognition technology can reinforce prejudice and discrimination against underrepresented
3
groups. The technology may also target those who hold certain political opinions. The use of
face recognition technology raises concerns about who will have access to and utilize the data
obtained (Leong, 2019). Some people worry that governments and businesses may use
technology with evil intentions to obtain an unfair advantage (Hamann & Smith, 2019). For
example, the technology could be used to identify and target specific groups of consumers for
marketing purposes and to track the movements of political activists. Therefore, people should
not use facial recognition technology in public.
I was undecided about the issue because of its perceived benefits. The use of facial recognition
technology increases security and public safety. Law enforcement can take steps to avert possible
harm to the public by swiftly identifying these people (Andrejevic & Selwyn, 2020). Facial
recognition technology can enhance security in public spaces such as airports, train stations,
schools, and sporting events. By quickly identifying individuals who may pose a security risk,
security personnel can take appropriate action to prevent potential threats.
I was undecided about the issue because it leads to personalized customer experiences and
improved efficiency. Facial recognition technology may be used in retail and hospitality contexts
to customize consumer experiences (Martinez-Martin, 2019). Retailers might utilize technology
to identify devoted clients and offer them tailored discounts. The use of technology may
streamline procedures and increase productivity in a variety of contexts. For example, airports
can use technology to quickly verify passengers’ identities and speed up the boarding process.
Therefore, I was undecided about the issue because of the benefits of public spaces.
In conclusion, while facial recognition technology offers potential benefits, such as improved
security and personalized customer experiences, its use in public spaces raises significant
concerns about privacy, civil liberties, social justice, and corporate accountability. The
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technology can collect vast amounts of personal data and perpetuate biases and discrimination
against marginalized groups. The potential for the technology to be used for nefarious purposes,
such as tracking political activists or targeting specific groups of consumers, further raises
concerns about its use. Therefore, protecting the privacy and civil liberties should be a top
priority in using this technology, showing that the technology should not be used in a public
setting.
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References
Andrejevic, M., & Selwyn, N. (2020). Facial recognition technology in schools: Critical
questions and concerns. Learning, Media and Technology, 45(2), 115-128.
https://doi.org/10.1080/17439884.2020.1686014
Hamann, K., & Smith, R. (2019). Facial recognition technology. Criminal Justice, 34(1), 9-13.
https://pceinc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/20190528-Facial-Recognition-Article3.pdf
Leong, B. (2019). Facial recognition and the future of privacy: I always feel like… somebody’s
watching me. Bulletin of the atomic scientists, 75(3), 109-115.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00963402.2019.1604886
Martinez-Martin, N. (2019). What are important ethical implications of using facial recognition
technology in health care?. AMA journal of ethics, 21(2), 180-187.
10.1001/amajethics.2019.180
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