IBM has asked the US Department of Commerce to restrict exports of facial recognition systems, particularly to countries that could potentially use them for mass surveillance, racial profiling or other human rights abuses.
In a letter sent to the US Department of Commerce, IBM highlighted the need for stricter export controls for facial recognition technologies that use what is referred to as “1-to-many” matching.
These proposed controls include controlling the exports of both high-resolution cameras used to collect data and the software algorithms used to analyze and match that data to an database , and restricting access to online image databases that can be used to train “1-to-many” facial recognition systems.
“These systems differ from 1-to-1 face matching systems that verify that a person is who they say they are,” IBM vice president Christopher Padilla said in a blog post.
“But in a '1-to-many' application, a system can, for example, select a face from a crowd by matching it to an image in a database containing many images.”
“Facial recognition systems do not work without this data. Controlling access to such data from online sources could be an effective way to limit certain human rights. Restricting access to educational data can be an effective method to limit the systems to conduct mass surveillance and ‘1-to-many’ matching,” the company wrote.
IBM also recommended a multilateral agreement, such as the Wassenaar Arrangement, to increase global cooperation to limit the ability of “repressive regimes” to access these technologies.
Also, let's not forget that in June Big Blue decided to exit the facial recognition business, fearing that its technology could be used to promote racial discrimination.
“IBM strongly opposes and will not permit the use of any technology, including facial recognition technology offered by other vendors, for mass surveillance, racial profiling, violations of fundamental human rights and freedoms, or for any purpose inconsistent with values and principles of transparency,” IBM CEO Arvind Krishna said in a letter to Congress.
Also this year, the European Union was discussing the idea of banning the use of facial recognition technology in public places. The EU, as Reuters reported, is considering banning facial recognition in public places – parks, tourist spots and sports venues.
