The state of New York has banned the use of facial recognition technology in all public schools, citing privacy concerns and potential racial bias. Governor Kathy Hochul signed the bill into law on April 10 after months of advocacy by parent groups and civil rights organizations.
Supporters of the ban argued that the technology was being implemented without proper data protection protocols, putting minors at risk. A state-led study also found evidence that facial recognition systems disproportionately misidentified students of color and those with disabilities.
Under the new law, schools will now need state permission before using any biometric surveillance tools, including fingerprint or iris scanners. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) applauded the decision, calling it a “step forward for student rights.” Meanwhile, some security agencies have raised concerns about the inability to quickly identify intruders or track incidents without the tech. New York is the first U.S. state to impose such a blanket ban, and education departments in California, Massachusetts, and Illinois are reportedly reviewing similar legislation.
