We testified about our work on agency use of facial recognition technologies and related privacy issues.

For example, 18 of 24 agencies reported using this technology in FY 2020, mostly for building and computer access and law enforcement.

In another survey, 14 of 42 agencies with law enforcement officers told us they used the technology in criminal investigations. We found 13 of them didn't track employee use of non-federal (e.g., state and commercial) systems, which could put agencies at risk of violating privacy rules.

Agencies generally agreed with our recommendations on tracking use of this technology and assessing related privacy risks.

States and Localities that Own Facial Recognition Technology Systems Accessed by Federal Agencies in FY 2020

What GAO Found

In August 2021, GAO reported its survey results on facial recognition technology (FRT) activities, which found that 18 of 24 agencies reported using FRT for one or more purposes, with digital access and domestic law enforcement as the most common. For example, two agencies reported testing FRT to verify identities of persons accessing government websites and other agencies used FRT to generate leads in criminal investigations. Agencies also reported accessing FRT systems of other entities, such as those owned by other federal agencies, state and local governments, and the private sector. In addition, ten agencies reported conducting or supporting FRT-related research and development. For example, the Department...

Read Full Story: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-22-106100