The Georgetown Law and Washington Post report that FBI and ICE investigators are using state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMVs ) to perform face recognition , informally scanning millions of photos . The information is typically used to identify suspects in minor crimes , with 4,000 searches conducted per month.
So far, 21 states, including Pennsylvania and Texas, allow this action.
The fact that there is no universal consent for the FBI and ICE to conduct these searches has caused public and not only. For now, it is not clear whether there is a specific goal for these searches, but the main concern is the invasion of privacy.
Clare Garvie of Georgetown highlighted the difficult position undocumented immigrants find themselves in, as they are encouraged to submit informationthat could eventually be used against them.
ICE refuses to explain how it uses facial recognition. On the other hand, the FBI, when asked, pointed to the testimony of Deputy Assistant Secretary Kimberly Del Greco. According to her, this action helps maintain security and freedoms at the same time.
This testimony seems to not satisfy citizens and other bodies, because it could not actually be true. According to many, this is an abuse of power that will potentially lead to the arrests of innocent people. The fact that these are procedures that are carried out irregularly and are not contained in any legal framework does not ensure transparency. Thus, no one can guarantee that they will always be carried out in the most correct and formal manner.
