From 2019 through 2021, many American state and city governments passed laws restricting the use of facial recognition software in crime prevention.Facial recognition is a way of using software to identify an individual by matching their face to a database of images.Studies at the time found the technology less successful at correctly identifying Black people than white people.So, under pressure from social justice organizations, many states put restrictions in place.Now, local governments across the United States are starting to use facial recognition software again.The move comes as crime in the country has increased.At the same time, software companies say the technology has improved and no longer incorrectly recognizes Black people.In the coming months, the states of Virginia and California will permit local police to use the recognition programs.Before this year, Vermont did not permit the software, but now officers can use the systems in cases of child sexual abuse.
