Regulation
Facial recognition software can be the ideal tool to keep confidential data secure from outsiders. Investigative and security services use this tool to find and monitor criminals and suspects. On the surface, it seems that facial recognition software is a great tool to ensure our safety. At the same time, the software has been under attack for a while. Adversaries and civil rights activists feel that using facial recognition software on a large scale violates civil rights and privacy. More and more big companies have their doubts about using the software. These groups are therefore asking for regulations concerning facial recognition software.
Ethical and Moral Grounds
Sundar Pichai, Alphabet’s CEO (Google’s parent company), said earlier this year that in his opinion government regulation needs to play a large part in the use of facial recognition software. In a letter written to the Financial Times he referred to the rules concerning online privacy that are already in place. He said that these can function as the base for the new regulations for the use of facial recognition, which Pichai thinks need to be written into law.
Reform
IBM agrees with this. Krishna decided to write the letter to congress becasue the death of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and other African-Americans “remind us that the fight against racism is as urgent as ever”. IBM wants to work with congress to achieve justice and racial equality. IBM wants to focus on three policy areas: police reform, responsible use of technology, and broadening skills and educational opportunities. When a police officer uses excessive force, he needs to be held accountable. As things are now, officers usually walk away freely. According to Krishna this is in violation of the American constitution. There need to be laws in place that will make officers think twice about using excessive force.
Mass Surveillance
Technology can increase transparency and protect society, but it should not be used to discriminate or increase inequality. That is why IBM is critical about using facial recognition software. The software is easily misused by governments and security services. Mass surveillance and racial profiling are examples of that misuse. It violates civil rights and limits our freedom. According to the CEO “now is the time to begin a national dialogue on whether and how facial recognition technology should be employed by domestic law enforcement agencies”. He says that artificial intelligence (AI) is “a powerful tool” to keep Americans safe. “But vendors and users of Al systems have a shared responsibility to ensure that Al is tested for bias, particularity when used in law enforcement, and that such bias testing is audited and reported”. So, regulations are needed to ensure that governments and investigative and security services use AI responsibly.
Education
The CEO ends his letter by recommending that congress expands certain programs that educates people in ‘new collar’ jobs. These are jobs that require specialized skills, for example positions in cybersecurity and cloud computing. You don’t necessarily learn these skills during a traditional 4-year college degree. Programs such as P-TECH and Pell Grants are needed to educate people.
