GAO Urges Federal Agencies to Weigh Facial Recognition Risks

Federal law enforcement agencies should track their use of facial recognition technology from the private sector and local governments and assess potential threats to privacy and risks of bias, the U.S. Government Accountability Office said.

Agencies using facial recognition without first reviewing its potential impacts risk violating privacy regulations, the GAO said in a report released Tuesday. Facial recognition also poses accuracy concerns that should be considered, the watchdog said.

Studies have shown the technology isn’t as accurate at recognizing women and people of color as it is for White men.

The GAO surveyed 42 agencies with law enforcement officers ...