AI Facial Recognition Tools Must Pass Tests to Get Federal Sales

The US will require artificial intelligence companies to submit their facial recognition products for testing by federal scientists before the government agrees to buy them, according to a memo released Thursday by the Biden administration.

The federal government will also insist that their AI vendors erase photos of Americans’ faces when they’re done using the images to verify their identities, according to the memo. The Office of Management and Budget directed the memo to employees across much of the US government who buy AI products for federal agencies.

The directives on facial recognition products and photos were just two specifics in a 36-page memo from the White House budget office on “responsible acquisition of artificial intelligence” in the executive branch.

“This memorandum directs or guides agencies, as appropriate, to adjust their acquisition policies and practices to account for the distinctive ways that AI systems and services are developed, trained, and deployed,” it said.

The requirements will not apply to AI systems that are built into weapons or help operatives gather information that involves threats to the US.

The memo builds on previous steps the Biden administration has taken to leverage the federal government’s purchasing power to influence how AI companies operate. The US bought more than $100 billion worth of IT products and services in 2023, according to the White House budget office.

Facial recognition technology relies on artificial intelligence to learn the patterns of the human face. It is widely used by technology companies to identify individuals.