King County, WA is first in the country to ban facial recognition software

King County became the first county in the country to ban government use of facial recognition software.

Supporters applaud the newly approved ban on facial recognition software. They said this is a big win for civil rights and privacy.

Those worried about facial recognition software say Blacks, Asians, and Latinos are often misidentified by the software.

King County Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Wells said her proposed legislation, which the council unanimously approved Tuesday, will protect civil rights.

“We can be leaders and show we can proceed cautiously with development technology that may have caused harm, that has caused harm already,” said Kohl-Wells.

“The use of this technology is invasive, intrusive, racially biased and full of risks to fundamental civil liberties,” said King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove in a released statement. “I am proud to sponsor this ban which is supported by local community groups, public defenders, immigrants’ rights advocates, racial justice organizations, workers’ rights groups, privacy advocates, and technologists.”

The legislation bans the use of the software by county government agencies and administrative offices, including by the King County Sheriff’s Office.

A number of groups—including the ACLU– applaud King County Council’s decision today to ban the powerful technology.

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