Role Reversal. Approving Facial Recognition Software.

What is happening? 8 months after the state Legislature approved a ban on facial recognition software by law enforcement agencies, the Virginia Legislature approved use of facial recognition software by law enforcement. SB 741 (2022 | VA )

Why is this important? The bill authorizes certain uses like identifying witnesses, investigating sexual trafficking crimes, unidentified bodies in morgues, and  identify an individual when they have reasonable suspicion that the person committed a crime

How will this be important? To correct for misidentifications any facial recognition software used must “National Institute of Standards and Technology and have an accuracy rating of at least 98% across all demographic groups”

AP | Virginia lawmakers OK lifting ban on facial technology use