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At the same time, facial recognition software is currently the subject of intense national scrutiny. Facial recognition regulation received bipartisan support in a Congressional hearing Wednesday, achieving the rare feat of uniting progressives like Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and a number of conservative Republicans, who agreed that a national moratorium on the use of facial recognition technology may be necessary. Also on Wednesday, Amazon shareholders rejected a proposal to halt the sale of Rekognition to governments, something at least one member of Congress said should increase the resolve to pass legislation. The shareholder decision makes action by Congress even more important, Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) said shortly after the vote. It appears Amazon’s Ring home security company also faced some opposition this week, as New York state lawmakers proposed legislation that outlaws facial recognition to determine the “dangerousness” of a person. The law takes direct aim at the sort of tech found in patents Amazon filed earlier this year that is used to identify criminals and suspicious people. Analysis by Algorithm Justice League founder Joy Buolamwini found Rekognition lacking in its ability to accurately identify women, young people, and people with dark skin. AWS AI and policy leaders attempted to discredit the research, an effort that was condemned by a prominent group of AI researchers.

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