Although the event industry is looking into facial recognition tools to enhance security and increase attendee engagement, two mega concert producers now seem to be backing away from the technology, says the L.A. Times:
Concert promoters in the United States are stepping back from plans to scan festival-goers with facial recognition technology, after musicians and others gave it some serious side-eye. It remains entirely possible, however, that music venues will eventually take a second look at the controversial tech.
Live-entertainment giants AEG Presents and Live Nation both recently disavowed any plans to use facial recognition at music festivals, despite earlier indications to the contrary. A group of musicians had waged a months-long campaign to halt the technology’s use at live shows, and the companies’ public pronouncements led the group to declare victory.
Advances in computer vision have enabled businesses to install cameras that can recognize individuals by their face or other biometric characteristics. Venue operators have talked about using the technology at gateways to secure entry for select groups or to offer perks for repeat customers.
Privacy advocates worry that such uses might also pave the way for greater intrusions, such as scanning audience members in real time to analyze behavior.
Both concert organizations seemed to be edging toward remembering more faces … Los Angeles Times
