Ariel Benjamin Mannes explores the impact of recognition technology on security and public safety.

1. Recognition Technology
Continues To Hurt Security,
Not Help It
Ariel Benjamin Mannes

2. Cognitive technology is changing countless industries worldwide, but, as these technologies
continue to become increasingly normalized aspect of our culture, the management of such
technologies remains in flux. When it comes to security and public safety, some flaws to this
growing technology can present a glaring risk to our general wellbeing.

3. Well intentioned as they may be, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ML-based recognition tools,
are creating a converse effect on the individuals and institutions they strive to protect. While
I am not against the implementation of technology as a security force multiplier, they must
be used to augment the human operator, and not serve as a replacement or excuse to hire
less qualified (cheaper) personnel.

4. Finding a Way Around
Despite industry advancements, there remains a sad but true concept within the security
world: when a new safety concept emerges, criminals will try to find a way to sabotage it.
This is best known as “the better mousetrap”. This notion is very true of recognition technology,
which on the surface seems like it would be nearly impossible to penetrate in this manner.
However, the technology’s continued flaws and loopholes actually make it more of a gamble
within modern security protocol

5. It is safe to assume that this push-and-pull will remain a notable issue for a long time.
Furthermore, behavioral detection programs deployed by agencies like the NYPD, Met Police
(UK), and TSA have yielded a myriad of false alarms; mostly attributed to a lack of regular drills
and response planning activities designed to act on alerts by such technologies.
We must not allow ourselves to succumb to distractions and wedge conversations and focus on
what will eliminate breaches and work best for the vast majority, and with 2019 in sight, that
does not currently include the presence of recognition technology.
Moving Forward