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Comment by _iyig | Hacker News Reader

Does anyone else think total bans on this technology are excessive? Why not enact strict controls on the collection and use of face/location data, yet still leave room for obviously useful applications like (for instance) arrest warrant subject recognition at bus stops, airports, train stations, etc.?

It just seems ridiculous to have officers scanning CCTV for the FBI's Most Wanted when algorithms could effectively and responsibly assist them.

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Having the means in place for total surveillance and thinking it will be kept in check with "strict control" is a total delusion. Who determines what constitutes proper grounds for using the captured data? The government, I suppose? And if you want to automatically recognize certain individuals it must by design mean everyone gets scanned.

We have nuclear weapons, but only certain people are allowed to use them. The IANA has root key-signing keys, but their use is strictly controlled and made highly transparent. If we approach facial recognition technology with an equal sense of caution and respect, I’m sure we can (for example) help police catch rapists, murderers, and child-abductors without building or maintaining a database of every innocent citizen’s movements.

ask a vietnam war resister if "arrest warrant subject recognition at bus stops, airports, train stations" seems like a good idea.

A total ban is not being proposed. It is a temporary ban that may include exceptions for security and research projects.

Opt-in then. For everyone. No exceptions.

Only a criminal would opt-out. If you've got nothing to hide, strip naked!

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