U.S. cities are backing off banning facial recognition as crime rises

Virginia State Senator Scott Surovell, who sponsored legislation to allow for police use of facial recognition, speaks holding a microphone during a senate session, in Richmond, Virginia, U.S., March 2022. JoNathan Collins/Handout via REUTERS

OAKLAND, Calif. (Reuters) - Facial recognition is making a comeback in the United States as bans to thwart the technology and curb racial bias in policing come under threat amid a surge in crime and increased lobbying from developers.

Virginia in July will eliminate its prohibition on local police use of facial recognition a year after approving it, and California and the city of New Orleans as soon as this month could be next to hit the undo button.