ACLU warns AB 1814 could lead to wrongful arrests

In a recent government meeting, Becca Kramer from ACLU California Action voiced strong opposition to Assembly Bill 1814, highlighting significant concerns regarding its implications for Californians. Kramer argued that the bill introduces unnecessary costs and potential harms that do not currently exist under existing laws.

Kramer outlined several financial burdens associated with AB 1814, including the need for police training to navigate complex questions surrounding the use of facial recognition technology in investigations. She emphasized that the bill could lead to wrongful arrests, which would incur litigation and damages costs. Notably, she referenced the case of Mr. Williams, who was wrongfully arrested due to a false match from a facial recognition system, underscoring the risks of opening state databases to what she termed \"perpetual virtual lineups.\"

Furthermore, Kramer warned that AB 1814 could hinder access to justice for individuals wrongfully arrested, as indicated by attorneys representing many affected individuals. She criticized the bill for potentially normalizing the use of facial recognition technology beyond its intended scope, suggesting that it could be misused to monitor individuals entering sensitive healthcare facilities or to assess political affiliations.

Kramer concluded her remarks by labeling the reliance on facial recognition as \"junk science,\" urging lawmakers to reconsider the implications of AB 1814 on civil liberties and public safety. The discussion reflects ongoing debates about the balance between technological advancements in law enforcement and the protection of individual rights in California.