IBM CEO: the company has sunset its general purpose facial recognition and analysis software products

IBM CEO Arvind Krishna sent a letter to Congress outlining detailed „policy proposals to advance racial equality in our nation”. He also shared, in the context of addressing responsible use of technology by law enforcement, that „IBM has sunset its general purpose facial recognition and analysis software products.”, according to the letter.

Responsible technology policies – technology can increase transparency and help police protect communities but must not promote discrimination or racial injustice.

„IBM no longer offers general purpose IBM facial recognition or analysis software. IBM firmly opposes and will not condone uses of any technology, including facial recognition technology offered by other vendors, for mass surveillance, racial profiling, violations of basic human rights and freedoms, or any purpose which is not consistent with our values and Principles of Trust and Transparency. We believe now is the time to begin a national dialogue on whether and how facial recognition technology should be employed by domestic law enforcement agencies.

Artificial Intelligence is a powerful tool that can help law enforcement keep citizens safe. But vendors and users of Al systems have a shared responsibility to ensure that Al is tested for bias, particularity when used in law enforcement, and that such bias testing is audited and reported.

Finally, national policy also should encourage and advance uses of technology that bring greater transparency and accountability to policing, such as body cameras and modern data analytics techniques.”