Governor Doesn't Want Face-Recognition Technology Abused
Owens Says State Won't Go On High-Tech 'Fishing Expeditions'
DENVER -- Gov. Bill Owens has clarified his position on a law he signed that allows the state to implement face-recognition technology.
The governor said Wednesday that he doesn't want police to use
the surveillance technology to go on "generic fishing
expeditions" or to scan crowds at Invesco Field at Mile High or
elsewhere.
Owens signed a bill last month that allows the Department of
Motor Vehicles to buy a system that will map every driver's facial
characteristics when driver's licenses are obtained.
The law is aimed at curbing identity theft by preventing thieves
from taking out multiple driver's licenses using information stolen
from private individuals.
Wording in the bill also allows the technology to be used by
government agencies to carry out "official functions."
TheDenverChannel reported last week that Colorado has no plans to use new facial recognition computer technology to scan old driver's licenses, despite published reports to the contrary.
The system was to be in place by next July, but it already has
some privacy advocates concerned.
In Tampa, Fla., similar technology was used to scan faces at
Super Bowl XXXV. The program has since been expanded to capture
facial images in the city's main entertainment district. Those
images are compared with faces in the police department's criminal
database, and if a match is found, police are dispatched to try to
find the individual.
"While I agree that law enforcement agencies need to be able to
use such information in protecting the public safety, we must
balance those needs with the public's right to privacy," Owens
said in a letter to the two sponsors of the legislation.
Owens said that he signed the bill because he supported the
Legislature's efforts against identity fraud.
Owens press secretary Dick Wadhams said that the governor has
received about 25 calls and e-mails from people concerned the
technology could spread beyond the Department of Motor Vehicles and
track their movements.
"I'm a very strong advocate of privacy," said Rep. Carl
Miller, D-Leadville, chief sponsor of the new law. "If there are
any problems, we'll correct them ... if necessary."
The governor said Wednesday that he doesn't want police to use
the surveillance technology to go on "generic fishing
expeditions" or to scan crowds at Invesco Field at Mile High or
elsewhere.
Owens signed a bill last month that allows the Department of
Motor Vehicles to buy a system that will map every driver's facial
characteristics when driver's licenses are obtained.
The law is aimed at curbing identity theft by preventing thieves
from taking out multiple driver's licenses using information stolen
from private individuals.
Wording in the bill also allows the technology to be used by
government agencies to carry out "official functions."
TheDenverChannel reported last week that Colorado has no plans to use new facial recognition computer technology to scan old driver's licenses, despite published reports to the contrary.
The system was to be in place by next July, but it already has
some privacy advocates concerned.
In Tampa, Fla., similar technology was used to scan faces at
Super Bowl XXXV. The program has since been expanded to capture
facial images in the city's main entertainment district. Those
images are compared with faces in the police department's criminal
database, and if a match is found, police are dispatched to try to
find the individual.
"While I agree that law enforcement agencies need to be able to
use such information in protecting the public safety, we must
balance those needs with the public's right to privacy," Owens
said in a letter to the two sponsors of the legislation.
Owens said that he signed the bill because he supported the
Legislature's efforts against identity fraud.
Owens press secretary Dick Wadhams said that the governor has
received about 25 calls and e-mails from people concerned the
technology could spread beyond the Department of Motor Vehicles and
track their movements.
"I'm a very strong advocate of privacy," said Rep. Carl
Miller, D-Leadville, chief sponsor of the new law. "If there are
any problems, we'll correct them ... if necessary."
Previous Story:
- July 12, 2001: Colorado Won't Use Facial Recognition Technology On Licenses
Copyright 2002 by TheDenverChannel.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
