Chapter 1: Ethical Competencies and Perspectives Case Study 1.1: Facial Recognition Technology: A Tool for Public Safety or Oppression? Case Synopsis and Analysis Facial recognition technology enables law enforcement officials to identify suspects by comparing images from photos or video to pictures from drivers‟ licenses, mugshots, and other government databases. Police departments use the technology to solve crimes and border patrol agents employ the software to identify those entering the country illegally. However, facial recognition opponents argue that the potential costs of the technology outweigh any public safety benefit. The systems don‟t accurately identify minority subjects and there is no oversight of how the police use facial recognition. The Chinese government relies on the software to control its Uighur Muslim minority and to monitor the behavior of ordinary citizens. San Francisco became the first major American city to ban the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement. Others suggest that restrictions be put on its use rather than banning it altogether. Learning Objectives  Students will recognize utilitarian reasoning used in a real-world case.  Students will identify the costs and benefits of facial recognition technology.  Students will weigh the costs and benefits to determine if facial recognition technology should be banned or restricted. Discussion Guide As a group, create a list of the costs and benefits of the use of facial recognition in law enforcement. Then ask students to determine whether they think the benefits outweigh the costs