Description
The widespread use of facial-recognition technology (FRT) presents major human rights challenges; yet outside of the European Union (EU), few legally binding rules apply to FRTs. To address this puzzle, we use complex systems theory and analyse political debates on FRT. We argue that these debates are embedded in networks of actors and ideas that influence policy-making processes. We employ Discourse Network Analysis to trace the evolution of political frames within these networks in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the EU. Our analysis of 4000 political statements between 2000 and 2022 show that FRT has been framed as a solution for security and efficiency issues particularly in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. However, since 2015, these frames have been increasingly challenged, shifting the discourse to concerns about lack of regulation, unlawful surveillance, bias, and privacy. The growing salience of critical frames and non-state actors in the EU have resulted in demands for tighter regulation of FRT, including a push for laws targeting the commercial exploitation and potential abuse of human data. Overall, our results show a significant link between actor and frame configurations within the FRT network and policy outcomes that impact citizens’ democratic rights and privacy.
