Comparing Facial Recognition Cameras in London and New York City: Governance, Privacy, and Algorithmic Bias

Abstract

This thesis aimed to investigate the legitimacy gap between law enforcement's rationale for using facial recognition technology (FRT) and the statements of non-governmental organizations regarding FRT in London and New York City. Through the qualitative analysis of a framing primary policy, the paper explores how regulatory arrangements, London's judicial authorization system, and New York City's legislative oversight system affect the normalization of biometric surveillance. Thesis is based on Michel Foucault's notions of Panopticism and David Lyon's Social Sorting. There is a "clash" narrative between the two cities. Specifically, the findings reveal that London's Live model cameras produce a present gaze that creates a "chilling effect" through the public display of presence, whereas in New York City, there is a Domain Awareness System that creates a dossier of the past, which is building on the ongoing web of digital suspicion. After the analysis, it became evident that despite having divergent legal frameworks, the analysis indicates that both cities are convergent within the biometric urban frontier framework and have architectural discrimination and violations of privacy. Study concludes that implementation of FRT changed the state-citizen relationship, which consequently fostered mass...