The level of confusion and misinformation in the facial recognition technology (FRT) discussion is astounding. Some of this is understandable given that the research literature is often opaque, but public discussion of FRT must be better informed. FRT is improving rapidly, and any critique based on data from even a few years ago runs the risk of being entirely wrong. Determining ground truth on issues of accuracy and bias—something that is currently in short supply—is essential for good policy.

The rapid development of facial recognition technology requires an exploration of how to use it responsibly, complemented in this report by an overview of the current legislative landscape in the United States.