Setting Intentions: Considering Racial Justice Implications of Facial Recognition Technology

Abstract

Sociological research has produced an array of literature on racial justice and systems of power. However, there is minimal research on its relationship with emerging technologies. This thesis brings attention to facial recognition technology’s (FRT) intersection with systems of race, power, and surveillance. Little research is reported on this specific technology’s relationship with these systems, and even more so, as it relates to public safety when both law enforcement agencies and consumers use it. This thesis research uses a mixed-method approach including survey analysis and a design workshop to understand how racial differences and experiences impact public attitudes and perception of facial recognition technology use for public safety. The results show that African Americans and White Americans share statistically significant differences in attitudes and perceptions of facial recognition technology use. This thesis paper also explores how the technology design process could be intentional about considering social justice implications and reveals what intersectionality as a lens for design looks like in the world.