A new survey from the Center for Data Innovation found that only about one quarter of Americans surveyed favor the imposition of “strict” government limits on the use of facial recognition technologies, and that the public’s view of the technology varies depending on its intended application.
The study, conducted through an online poll of 3,151 adults, found that many Americans favor only limited restrictions on government’s use of the technology when it comes to speeding up airport security lines, and improving public safety.
According to the survey, 26 percent believe that the government should “strictly limit the use of facial recognition technology,” with about 45 percent disagreeing on the imposition of strict use limits. About 29% of respondents were ambivalent.
The numbers showed shifts along age-group lines: the percentage that disagree with restricting facial recognition technology use increased to 38.9 percent of 18 to 34-year-olds, to 44.6 percent of 35 to 54-year-olds, and finally to 51.5 percent of adults 55 and older. Those agreeing with restrictions stand at 29 percent in the 18-34 range, 25 percent in the 35-54 range, and 23 percent in over 55.
