News

Portland City Council tables proposal to ban facial recognition technology

Portland City Council tables proposal to ban facial recognition technology

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


PORTLAND, Maine (WGAN) The Portland City Council delayed taking action Monday on a proposal to prohibit city employees from using facial recognition technology.

The Portland Press Herald reports the ban was proposed by City Councilor Pious Ali. He says the technology often misidentifies women, people of color and children. He also says the police department told the school board that it could potentially use the technology along with body cameras.

Some councilors said they’d rather refer the proposal to a committee once mayor-elect Kate Snyder takes office.

Councilor Spencer Thibodeau joined the WGAN Morning News Tuesday. He says he agrees with Ali’s position on facial recognition.

Latest Headlines

29 minutes ago in Local

What to Know About Maine U.S. Senate Race

Fresh

Democrats are hoping to unseat Republican Susan Collins.

9 hours ago in Local

Drought Gets Worse Across Maine Impacting Drinking Water

Drought conditions across the state have worsened over the past week.

10 hours ago in Local

Maine Housing Market Becoming More Buyer Friendly

Sellers and buyers are on more equal footing for negotiating their home purchase.

11 hours ago in Local

3 face drug charges after raids in New Gloucester, Lewiston

A month-long investigation into drug trafficking in New Gloucester and Lewiston led to three arrests on Wednesday.

11 hours ago in Local

Man accused in high-speed pursuit in Kennebec County arrested after crashing into construction zone

Police say a man led them on a high-speed chase in Clinton before crashing in a construction zone on Tuesday.