Technology / 09.19.19

Campaign Against Use of Facial Recognition Technology at Concerts Launched

Access Staff

Pollstar (09/11/19) Gottfried, Gideon

The nonprofit Fight For The Future has launched a campaign to proscribe facial recognition at U.K. concerts, in response to Ticketmaster's investment in the technology. The organization's website warns that facial recognition could potentially place "undocumented fans, fans of color, trans fans, and fans with criminal records at risk of being unjustly detained, harassed, or judged." The campaign appeals to fans, artists and venues to take action to resist the deployment of facial recognition technology at live music events through emails and petitions to festivals, elected representatives and other stakeholders. Many musicians already support Fight For The Future. Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello tweeted, "I don't want Big Brother at my shows targeting fans for harassment, deportation, or arrest. That's why I'm joining this campaign calling on Ticketmaster and others not to use #facialrecognition at festivals and concerts." Similarly, Amanda Palmer, slated to tour Britain next month, tweeted that "people should feel safe & respected at shows, not subject to surveillance, harassment, deportation, or arrest."

Read the full article on Pollstar.

Tags: Paperless , Security , Regulations , News