Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Michael Brewer

Abstract

AbstractFacial recognition technology (FRT) in public spaces has been a political and social concern for more than 30 years. Conflict exists between the use of FRT for safety and security measures and its possible violation of the First, Fourth, and Fourteenth Amendments. Additional controversial issues surrounding the use of FRT in public spaces include technological development without standardization or regulations; biometric algorithms developed with bias; and the social issues of privacy intrusion, gender and racial bias, data security, accuracy, and privacy concerns. Researchers have concurred a national policy is needed to address FRT issues but have not explained why Congress has been unsuccessful. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the factors explaining this phenomenon. The narrative policy framework was used as the theoretical paradigm for this inquiry. Using Saldana’s method of coding, categorizing and theming descriptive narratives, transcripts from hearings conducted by the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Reform tasked with formulating FRT legislation were analyzed. The result of the analysis was the emergence of 10 factors identifying why FRT legislation was stalemated in Congress. The summative assertion from the factors revealed members of the committee were overwhelmed with the complexities of FRT. Several strategies were recommended which may advance the passage of a national FRT policy. If Congress employed these strategies and passed a national policy that alleviated FRT issues to the extent possible, positive social change regarding FRT usage in public spaces may occur.

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