Colorado legislators wrangle laws on facial recognition in schools, data protection
A Colorado moratorium on facial recognition cameras in schools is set to end after two years. State legislators had voted to investigate how biometric systems are used, but its expiration in July 2025 could trigger a surge in facial recognition and AI surveillance that could enter the education system.
However, schools that were already using AI facial recognition before the pause came into effect were allowed to continue using it, with some districts having as many as 400 cameras distributed between them.
While schools are hoping that AI and facial recognition technology will be beneficial in a state that has suffered from several mass shootings since the 1999 massacre at Columbine High School, rights groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union have criticised the idea that surveillance makes schools safer.
Publication: Biometric Update
Writer: Joel R. McConvey