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Facing increasing restrictions on facial recognition, law enforcement agencies are adopting AI-powered surveillance technologies that track individuals based on characteristics like body size, gender, hair color, and clothing. This shift allows police departments and federal agencies to circumvent bans on facial recognition.

The ACLU and other civil liberties organizations are raising concerns about the potential for abuse and the erosion of privacy. The decentralized nature of technology adoption within US police departments exacerbates these worries, leading to questions about transparency and public accountability in the deployment of these new tools.

Companies are aggressively marketing AI-driven surveillance suites, sparking debates about the line between efficient policing and mass surveillance. Resistance is growing in some communities, particularly those disproportionately impacted by these technologies. Privacy advocates are also noting the potential for bias and misuse.

According to Jay Stanley, a senior policy analyst at the ACLU, public debate and community input are critical before these AI systems are implemented. He is urging for independent testing and transparency to ensure that the powers granted to law enforcement are carefully considered and responsibly implemented.