Facial Recognition Expands
Clearview AI's federal cloud security review could ease federal procurement of facial recognition technology
The expansion of facial recognition technology is transforming the way governments and law enforcement agencies exercise authority and social control, with recent developments in the United States, United Kingdom, and Georgia highlighting the growing trend. On July 2, 2026, Clearview AI began a federal cloud security review that, if completed, could make its facial recognition platform easier to procure for federal agencies, as reported by Clearview AI's FedRAMP bid. This move could have significant implications for the use of facial recognition technology in the US, particularly in the context of Russia's efforts to spy on EU nukes, which have raised concerns about the potential for surveillance and data breaches.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is also expanding its use of facial recognition technology, with the rollout of Touchless TSA ID at dozens of major US airports, in partnership with major carriers like United and Delta, as detailed on TSA airport security updates. This development is part of a broader trend towards the use of digital surveillance technologies, including artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and smart surveillance cameras, which are being used by governments around the world to exercise control and monitor citizens, as seen in Iran's digital surveillance efforts.
In the UK, the Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner (BSCC) has noted "issues" with police biometrics procurement and has welcomed centralization efforts, which could help to clarify the responsibilities of regulators and ensure that the use of facial recognition technology is subject to adequate oversight. Meanwhile, in Georgia, the government plans to expand the use of facial recognition cameras across the country and purchase an advanced anti-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system, as part of a major upgrade to the country's surveillance capabilities. These developments highlight the need for robust global data privacy laws to protect citizens' rights and prevent the misuse of surveillance technologies. The recent decision by the US Supreme Court to limit warrantless tracking is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to ensure that the use of facial recognition technology is transparent, accountable, and subject to rigorous oversight.
As I watch facial recognition technology expand, I believe it poses a significant threat to our personal freedoms. My thesis is that without proper regulations, this technology will erode our right to privacy and enable mass surveillance. If nothing changes, corporations and governments will be the winners, gaining unparalleled access to our personal data and behavior. They will use this information to manipulate and control us, further entrenching their power and influence. Meanwhile, ordinary citizens like myself will be left to navigate a world where our every move is tracked and monitored, stripping us of our autonomy and anonymity.
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