Hunter Pavach

Southern New Hampshire University

8-1 Discussion

Dr. Melvin Richards

Example of Technology Misuse: One common example of technology misuse in the criminal justice field is the misuse of surveillance technology, including facial recognition systems. For instance, law enforcement agencies have been known to misuse facial recognition technology for unwarranted surveillance and profiling of individuals, infringing on civil liberties and privacy rights. The motivation for this misuse can be multifaceted and may include:

1. Lack of Accountability: Some law enforcement agencies might be motivated by a lack of accountability, as the use of surveillance technology can be conducted with limited oversight, allowing for potential misuse without consequences.
2. Biases and Discrimination: The misuse of facial recognition technology can also be driven by racial, gender, or other biases within the technology itself, leading to discriminatory outcomes.

Strategies to Prevent Misuse:

1. Strict Regulations and Oversight: Implementing strict regulations and oversight mechanisms can help prevent the misuse of surveillance technology. These regulations can include requiring warrants for the use of facial recognition technology, regular audits of its use, and consequences for unauthorized or abusive use.
2. Bias Mitigation and Transparency: Ensure that the technology itself is subject to rigorous testing to identify and mitigate biases. Transparency in the development and deployment of facial recognition systems is essential to hold both technology providers and law enforcement agencies accountable. Auditing and disclosure of the algorithms, datasets, and performance metrics can help identify and rectify potential issues.
3. Public Education and Awareness: Increasing public awareness about the potential misuse of surveillance technology can foster a culture of accountability and encourage citizens to demand transparency and responsible use from law enforcement agencies. Public education can also lead to more informed debates and discussions about technology's role in criminal justice.
4. Bans or Moratoriums: Some municipalities have imposed temporary bans or moratoriums on facial recognition technology to allow time for comprehensive policy development and addressing potential issues. Such measures can provide a crucial breathing space to evaluate and establish responsible use guidelines.

Preventing technology misuse in the criminal justice field requires a combination of legal frameworks, technology safeguards, public engagement, and policy adjustments to ensure that these tools are used in ways that respect individual rights and uphold justice.

references

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/police-surveillance-and-facial-recognition-why-data-privacy-is-an-imperative-for-communities-of-color/

Kerry, Cameron F., et al. “Police Surveillance and Facial Recognition: Why Data Privacy Is Imperative for Communities of Color.” Brookings, 27 Sept. 2023, www.brookings.edu/articles/police-surveillance-and-facial-recognition-why-data-privacy-is-an-imperative-for-communities-of-color/.

https://www.csis.org/analysis/facial-recognition-technology-responsible-use-principles-and-legislative-landscape

Lewis, James Andrew, and William Crumpler. “Facial Recognition Technology: Responsible Use Principles and the Legislative Landscape.” CSIS, www.csis.org/analysis/facial-recognition-technology-responsible-use-principles-and-legislative-landscape. Accessed 15 Oct. 2023.

In response to two of your peers, talk about the impact on the community of the misuse they described. Why are transparency and accountability important in these examples?