S.T.O.P. Condemns NYPD For Blaming Arrest Rate Drop On Masks And Facial Recognition

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View this email in your browser For Immediate Release S.T.O.P. Condemns NYPD For Blaming Arrest Rate Drop On Masks And Facial Recognition (NEW YORK, NY, 2/10/202)  - Today, the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (S.T.O.P.), a New York-based privacy group, condemns NYPD Chief Rodney Harrison for blaming a recent arrest rate drop on  New Yorkers wearing face masks that interfere with facial recognition. Chief Harrison’s statement comes as the Department faces renewed criticism for its use of the biased and invasive surveillance technology. SEE: N.Y. Times Reporter Ashley Southall Tweet https://twitter.com/AshleyAtTimes/status/1357417270562152450 “As the NYPD is facial global human rights pressure for facial recognition, the NYPD is doubling-down on the biased and invasive technology,” said Surveillance Technology Oversight Project Executive Director Albert Fox Cahn. “The NYPD is quick to make the claim that they need facial recognition, but they are short on evidence. Every time crime goes down in New York the NYPD takes credit, and every time it goes up they claim they just need more surveillance. Even worse, this comment also targets face masks, creating a risk that store owners might pressure some customers to remove these life-saving protections while shopping, so they can better track who is in their stores.” Last week, the New York civil rights group joined with Amnesty International to launch a global facial recognition campaign: Ban the Scan. The new campaign supports local facial recognition legislation in New York and other cities, helping activists outlaw government use of facial recognition.   SEE: The Guardian – Human rights group urges New York to ban police use of facial recognition https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/jan/25/new-york-facial-recognition-technology-police   The Verge – Amnesty International calls for a ban on facial recognition in New York City https://www.theverge.com/2021/1/25/22248849/new-york-city-facial-recognition-ban-amnesty-international-nypd   Cahn continued, “If lifesaving facemasks are interfering with facial recognition, it’s just another reason we must ‘Ban the Scan.’” The Surveillance Technology Oversight Project is a non-profit advocacy organization and legal services provider hosted by the Urban Justice Center. S.T.O.P. litigates and advocates for privacy, fighting excessive local and state-level surveillance. Our work highlights the discriminatory impact of surveillance on Muslim Americans, immigrants, and communities of color.   - END – CONTACT: S.T.O.P. Executive Director Albert Fox Cahn Copyright © 2019 Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, All rights reserved. Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.