First, there was the news that Amazon Rekognition had been pitched to ICE, which drew criticism from civil liberties groups. Now, we have news that the FBI is actually using it in a pilot program. While technology may be limiting in the realms of privacy, it can also be a benefit to security. It's a delicate balance. Benjamin Franklin wrote, "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." Another consideration is given Amazon's influence and that the FBI is the second federal law enforcement agency associated with Recognition, how long before it is in use on a widespread basis by security professionals? -- IFPO.
By Frank Konkel
The FBI is piloting Amazon’s facial matching software — Amazon Rekognition — as a means to sift through mountains of video surveillance footage the agency routinely collects during investigations.
The pilot kicked off in early 2018 following a string of high-profile counterterrorism investigations that tested the limits of the FBI’s technological capabilities, according to FBI officials.
For example, in the 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas carried out by Stephen Paddock, the law enforcement agency collected a petabyte worth of data, much of it video from cellphones and surveillance cameras.
“We had agents and analysts, eight per shift, working 24/7 for three weeks going through the video footage of everywhere Stephen Paddock was the month leading up to him coming and doing the shooting,” said FBI Deputy Assistant Director for Counterterrorism Christine Halvorsen.
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Mission Statement Part I.
The International Foundation for Protection Officers provides professional learning opportunities for security practitioners, to impart the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to maximize job performance and enhance career potential.
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Vision Statement
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Mission Statement Part II.
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