Tech

Amazon Writing Up Possible Facial Recognition Legislation

Some critics are worried the technology could be used by law enforcement to discriminate or violate human rights.

Amazon Writing Up Possible Facial Recognition Legislation
Getty Images
SMS

Amazon is working toward introducing regulations on facial recognition technology.

CEO Jeff Bezos says the company's public policy team is working on rules that it will pitch to Congress.

Bezos told reporters facial recognition is "a perfect example of something that has really positive uses," but that "at the same time, there's lots of potential for abuses with that kind of technology."

Critics, including some Amazon employees, have voiced concerns over Rekognition, Amazon's own facial recognition service. They're worried it could be used by law enforcement to discriminate or violate human rights.

Back in February, Amazon released guidelines for the technology meant to address those concerns and urged lawmakers to consider using the guidelines for potential federal legislation.

Some of the proposed rules included complying with all laws that protect civil rights when using the technology and encouraging law enforcement agencies to be transparent about their use.