Milwaukee Police Propose Controversial Facial Recognition Trade

The Milwaukee Police Department is considering trading 2.5 million mugshots for access to Biometrica's facial recognition technology, aiming to boost crime-solving efficiency. While officials claim it won't be used alone for probable cause, activists and residents raise concerns about privacy violations, increased surveillance, and potential access by federal agencies. The department hasn't finalized any agreement and promises further public discussion. Debates center on the technology's inherent biases, potential misuse, and the lack of clear protections against federal access, despite assurances from the police. A commissioner even shared a personal anecdote of experiencing bias from facial recognition technology.