Colorado lawmakers are working on extending the statewide prohibition on facial recognition technology in schools, while also implementing restrictions on its use in districts where it is allowed. Senate Bill 143 aims to strike a balance between student safety and privacy concerns, with about 12 districts currently using the technology.
State Rep. Lindsey Daugherty emphasized the importance of protecting students’ biometric data while allowing schools to use the technology for emergency situations or at the request of law enforcement. School officials testified about the benefits of facial recognition technology, such as locating missing students or preventing unauthorized individuals from entering campuses.
However, many groups, including the ACLU of Colorado and the Colorado Education Association, are in favor of the continued ban due to concerns about privacy and potential abuse of the technology. They argue that facial recognition poses risks to privacy and can easily cross the line between constitutional and unconstitutional use.
The bill narrowly passed the Senate Education Committee and will now be heard before the full Senate. Sponsors plan to make further amendments based on feedback from school leaders who currently use the technology. The debate over the use of facial recognition technology in schools continues, with stakeholders advocating for a balance between safety and privacy.
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