Bonnaroo, Electrical Forest, Austin Metropolis Limits festivals say they received’t use facial recognition tech
Earlier this month, numerous musicians joined digital rights group Battle for the Future to launch a marketing campaign in opposition to using facial recognition expertise at concert events and festivals. Now, numerous fests have publicly rejected using the controversial tech at their occasions.
Information broke in mid-2018 that Ticketmaster had invested in facial recognition tech firm Blink Identification. The said aim was to permit ticket-holders to enter exhibits with out having to really scan something, as you could possibly theoretically hyperlink your biometrics to your buy. Although some artists like Taylor Swift have already carried out the tech (to root out stalkers), many have expressed issues over the potential abuse of such “large brother” developments. FFTF’s mission assertion notes that even barely flawed algorithms can put “undocumented followers, followers of colour, trans followers, and followers with felony information liable to being unjustly detained, harassed, or judged.”
In launching their Ban Facial Recognition marketing campaign, Battle for the Future teamed with Tom Morello, Amanda Palmer, The Glitch Mob, The Gaslight Anthem’s Brian Fallon, and different musicians to unfold the phrase. It appears some festivals have additionally taken word, as Bonnaroo, Electrical Forest, Austin Metropolis Limits, and Shambhala have all issued statements confirming they don’t have any plans to make use of Blink Identification’s tech.
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What’s attention-grabbing is that Bonnaroo and ACL are literally owned by Ticketmaster’s dad or mum firm, Dwell Nation, which additionally has a “artistic partnership” with the promoters of Electrical Forest. That’s most likely why Roo and ACL have famous they haven’t really aligned with or pledged something to FFTF. “Bonnaroo doesn’t make the most of facial recognition expertise, and doesn’t at present have any plans to take action sooner or later. Austin Metropolis Limits Music Pageant doesn’t make the most of facial recognition expertise, and doesn’t at present have any plans to take action sooner or later,” reads their flat assertion (through Stereogum).
Different festivals, like Punk Rock Bowling, have been a bit extra agency of their stance. “Facial Recognition just isn’t welcome at our occasions,” learn a latest tweet from the Las Vegas occasion linking to the Ban Facial Recognition web site. “We won’t assist to arrest or deport patrons.” Paradiso Fest, Sonic Bloom, Summer season Meltdown, and Lucidity Pageant have additionally expressed direct assist for the marketing campaign.
The BFR web site has an up to date record of all of the festivals to clarify commitments to not use the invasive innovation. Those that have mentioned nothing are marked (somewhat disingenuously ominously) with “may use” logos. Occasions like Lollapalooza and Voodoo Music + Arts Expertise, each operated by ACL promoter C3 Presents, are on the naughty record. Additionally current are Goldenvoice properties like Coachella and Hangout. The corporate (owned by AEG) issued a press release studying, “We’re not wanting so as to add to this dialog at present.”
The excellent news for Insane Clown Posse followers is even when Gathering of the Juggalos had been compelled to implement facial recognition tech, it seemingly wouldn’t matter.