IBM Seeks Export Controls on Some Facial ID Software

IBM said the Commerce Department Bureau of Industry and Security should impose targeted export controls on specific facial recognition software, not restrict the entire category, since some of the technology can be used for benign purposes. There are “clear use-cases that must be off limits” for export, such as artificial intelligence-powered software used for mass surveillance and human rights abuses, but other technologies are safe for everyday uses, said Friday comments on a July BIS notice on potential license requirements for items that may be used for crowd control reasons and human rights abuses. IBM said BIS should control facial recognition technologies that use “‘1-to-many’ matching end uses.” Comments are due Tuesday.