On 7 November, ADAPT hosted Facing the Future: Let’s Talk Facial Recognition Technology, a #DiscussAI Think-In event at Beta Festival. Co-organised by Dr Ciara Bracken-Roche (ADAPT, Maynooth University) and Dr Emma Clarke (ADAPT, Dublin City University), the session provided a timely opportunity for an open and nuanced discussion about the introduction of facial recognition technology (FRT) into Irish policing.
With the Government actively considering FRT for law enforcement, this event created a space for participants to reflect on the technology’s potential benefits and drawbacks. Expert speakers Daniel Kahn Gillmor (dkg), Senior Staff Technologist with the ACLU’s Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project, and Olga Cronin, Senior Policy Officer at the ICCL (Irish Council for Civil Liberties), delivered thought-provoking talks on the societal implications of FRT. Their insights sparked dialogue on issues such as safety, personal privacy, civil liberties, and the balance between technological innovation and ethical considerations.
The Think-In encouraged active participation by dividing attendees into small groups to discuss a realistic scenario: Would we support using FRT to identify a vandal after car damage or track a person involved in an unintentional hit-and-run? These discussions surfaced critical questions about privacy, fairness, and the reliability of FRT systems. From its role in missing person investigations to concerns over potential misidentifications, the conversations explored both the promise and the pitfalls of this technology.
Participants also had the opportunity to experience Calculating Empires, a compelling research visualisation by Kate Crawford and Vladan Joler. This large-scale installation, on display at The Digital Hub as part of Beta Festival, traces the evolution of technology and social structures over the last five centuries. Calculating Empires invites viewers to contemplate the historical, economic and ethical dimensions underpinning modern technological systems, making it an essential piece in the festival lineup.
This Think-In underscored the complexities of adopting FRT and the importance of public dialogue when it comes to shaping policies about technology. As we navigate these critical questions, it’s clear that community input is essential to ensure responsible and equitable use of emerging technologies.
