Majority of Americans Support Facial Recognition

Published on: January 13, 2019 / update from: January 13, 2019 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein

Facial recognition is making its way into more and more areas of our daily lives—and a majority of Americans seem to be okay with it.

As a survey by the Center for Data Innovation shows, most Americans agree with the use of technology in a security context. 54.3 percent agreed that airports should be free to use facial recognition for security checks. 54.8 percent of respondents said facial recognition should not be restricted if it contributes to public safety.

Fewer people want facial recognition used in commerce. Nevertheless, 49.1 percent agreed to its use if it proved beneficial in catching shoplifters.

Only 44.9 percent of respondents said they were comfortable with deregulated use of the technology if it was not tied to a specific security scenario.

Young people were generally more critical of the use of facial recognition than their older peers. Male respondents were also slightly more critical of the technology.

Facial recognition is making inroads into more aspects of our daily lives – and a majority of Americans seem to be okay with that.

As a survey by the Center for Data Innovation shows, most Americans agree with the use of the technology in a security context. 54.3 percent agreed that airports should be free to use facial recognition for safety screenings. 54.8 percent of respondents said that facial recognition shouldn't be limited if it added to public safety.

Less people would like to see facial recognition used in stores. Still, 49.1 percent agreed to its use if it was proving beneficial to catching shoplifters.

Only 44.9 percent of respondents said they were okay with a deregulated use of the technology if it wasn't tied to a specific security scenario.

Young people were generally more critical of the use of facial recognition than their older peers. Likewise, male respondents were slightly more critical of the technology.

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