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Our Biometric Future: Facial Recognition Technology and the Culture of Surveillance

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by Kelly A. Gates (Author)


"This work is a fascinating, timely investigation of the cultural practices and institutional priorities surrounding automated face perception technologies" -- C. Tappert ― Choice


Since the 1960s, a significant effort has been underway to program computers to “see” the human face—to develop automated systems for identifying faces and distinguishing them from one another—commonly known as Facial Recognition Technology.


While computer scientists are developing FRT in order to design more intelligent and interactive machines, businesses and states agencies view the technology as uniquely suited for “smart” surveillance—systems that automate the labor of monitoring in order to increase their efficacy and spread their reach.


Tracking this technological pursuit, Our Biometric Future identifies FRT as a prime example of the failed technocratic approach to governance, where new technologies are pursued as shortsighted solutions to complex social problems.


Culling news stories, press releases, policy statements, PR kits and other materials, Kelly Gates provides evidence that, instead of providing more security for more people, the pursuit of FRT is being driven by the priorities of corporations, law enforcement and state security agencies, all convinced of the technology’s necessity and unhindered by its complicated and potentially destructive social consequences.


By focusing on the politics of developing and deploying these technologies, Our Biometric Future argues not for the inevitability of a particular technological future, but for its profound contingency and contestability.



Categories : Optoelectronics Engineering, Pattern Recognition

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B004I5AZOE

Publisher ‏ : ‎ NYU Press (January 23, 2011)

Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 23, 2011

Language ‏ : ‎ English

File ‏ : ‎ PDF, 3.21 MB

Print length ‏ : ‎ 278 pages

You will get a PDF (3MB) file

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