Senators Urge DOJ to Investigate If Use of Facial Recognition Tech Violates Federal Laws

The senators were concerned that the use of certain forms of biometric technology could violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The U.S. Department of Justice in Washington on June 20, 2023. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

A group of 18 senators sent a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Jan. 18 raising concerns that facial recognition software could reinforce racial bias in the criminal justice system.

The senators, led by Sen. Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) and Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), stated that facial recognition software has become widely used in law enforcement in recent years.