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Watchdog says FBI has access to about 640M photographs
AP ^ | June 4th, 2019 | By MICHAEL BALSAMO

Posted on 06/04/2019 12:39:29 PM PDT by Mariner

WASHINGTON (AP) — A government watchdog says the FBI has access to about 640 million photographs — including from driver’s licenses, passports and mugshots — that can be searched using facial recognition technology.

The figure reflects how the technology is becoming an increasingly powerful law enforcement tool, but is also stirring fears about the potential for authorities to intrude on the lives of Americans. It was reported by the Government Accountability Office at a congressional hearing in which both Democrats and Republicans raised questions about the use of the technology.

The FBI maintains a database known as the Interstate Photo System of mugshots that can help federal, state and local law enforcement officials. It contains about 36 million photographs, according to Gretta Goodwin of the GAO.

But taking into account the bureau contracts providing access to driver’s licenses in 21 states, and its use of photos and other databases, the FBI has access to about 640 million photographs, Goodwin told lawmakers at the House oversight committee hearing.

Kimberly Del Greco, a deputy assistant director at the FBI, said the bureau has strict policies for using facial recognition. She said it is used only when there is an active FBI investigation or an assessment, which can precede a formal investigation. When using the state databases, the FBI submits a so-called “probe photo” and then states conduct a search to yield a list of potential candidates to be reviewed by trained federal agents.

“Facial recognition is a tool that, if used properly, can greatly enhance law enforcement capabilities and protect public safety,” she said.

(Excerpt) Read more at apnews.com ...


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Government; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: yearbooks
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If you've done nothing wrong, you have nothing to fear./s

After all, everyone knows the FBI is a servant, with the best interests of the American people at heart.

1 posted on 06/04/2019 12:39:29 PM PDT by Mariner
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To: Mariner

And is filled with wonderful people, doing wonderful things, concerned with justice.


2 posted on 06/04/2019 12:40:29 PM PDT by Pravious
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But the rank and file are the greatest.


3 posted on 06/04/2019 12:41:25 PM PDT by proust (Justice delayed is injustice.)
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To: Mariner

How did they have time to do this at the same time that they were attempting to overthrow the President?


4 posted on 06/04/2019 12:41:42 PM PDT by thesharkboy (Charter member of the Basket of Deplorables)
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To: Mariner
"Kimberly Del Greco, a deputy assistant director at the FBI, said the bureau has strict policies for using facial recognition. She said it is used only when there is an active FBI investigation or an assessment, which can precede a formal investigation"

There were also "strict rules" for Fisa, but that didn't seem to mean much when it came to spying on a presidential candidate.

5 posted on 06/04/2019 12:43:11 PM PDT by Tench_Coxe
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To: Mariner

Plus whatever they vacuumed up from fakebook


6 posted on 06/04/2019 12:43:23 PM PDT by Sirius Lee (“Individual liberty and freedom are not outmoded concepts.”)
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To: Mariner
A government watchdog says the FBI has access to about 640 million photographs

And those are just of Kim Kardashian...

7 posted on 06/04/2019 12:43:26 PM PDT by rjsimmon (The Tree of Liberty Thirsts)
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To: Mariner

Right up there with “I just want to help you, tell me what happened.”


8 posted on 06/04/2019 12:45:01 PM PDT by Secret Agent Man (Gone Galt; Not Averse to Going Bronson.)
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To: proust

I will add a /sarc tag to that one.


9 posted on 06/04/2019 12:45:32 PM PDT by Secret Agent Man (Gone Galt; Not Averse to Going Bronson.)
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To: Mariner

They have photographs. And neighbors.


10 posted on 06/04/2019 12:46:04 PM PDT by coaster123 (Sex is not only a verb.)
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To: Mariner

A friend caused a minor fecal storm at the local DMV while renewing his Driver’s License..

When they asked to pose for a picture for his new license, he said no, because CA DMV had his mug shots on life for decades.

Also, the FBI could provide an up today picture of him if needed. Also, the CIA had his passport photos.

He finally submitted to another photo.


11 posted on 06/04/2019 12:46:25 PM PDT by Grampa Dave ( Frau Mueller? "What do the Clintons, Obama and their Spygate CIA/FBI/DOJ thugs have on you???????")
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To: Mariner

I don’t believe for one second they have access to 640 million photos.

6.4 billion is slightly more believable.

I would believe 64 billion in a heartbeat.


12 posted on 06/04/2019 12:47:04 PM PDT by ProtectOurFreedom
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To: Sirius Lee

“Plus whatever they vacuumed up from fakebook.”

Yep! And much of Facebook’s pictures already have facial recognition data, freely given them by users (Click if this your friend Shawn).


13 posted on 06/04/2019 12:47:13 PM PDT by polymuser (It's discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit. Noel Coward)
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To: Mariner

“I am perpetual, I keep the country clean”


14 posted on 06/04/2019 12:48:25 PM PDT by dfwgator (Endut! Hoch Hech!)
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To: polymuser
Yep! And much of Facebook’s pictures already have facial recognition data, freely given them by users (Click if this your friend Shawn).

If you want to screw with the algorithm, make sure you tag people incorrectly.
15 posted on 06/04/2019 12:49:20 PM PDT by Antoninus ("In Washington, swamp drain you.")
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To: Mariner

I am amazed at how fast and accurate a Google Search is on any internet photo via my Chromebook.


16 posted on 06/04/2019 12:49:57 PM PDT by Grampa Dave ( Frau Mueller? "What do the Clintons, Obama and their Spygate CIA/FBI/DOJ thugs have on you???????")
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To: Mariner
also stirring fears about the potential for authorities to intrude on the lives of Americans

Umm, too late.

17 posted on 06/04/2019 12:52:13 PM PDT by 1Old Pro
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To: Secret Agent Man
Right up there with “I just want to help you, tell me what happened.”


18 posted on 06/04/2019 12:54:21 PM PDT by DCBryan1 (Quit calling them liberals, progs, socialists, or democrats. Call them what they are: COMMUNISTS!!!!)
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To: DCBryan1

I hear batfe appropriately sews their merit badges like this directly on their crotch areas.


19 posted on 06/04/2019 12:57:27 PM PDT by Secret Agent Man (Gone Galt; Not Averse to Going Bronson.)
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To: Mariner

Now, it should not take much time to review and retrieve all of Hillary’s emails and the love-birds text messages. /sarc


20 posted on 06/04/2019 1:01:50 PM PDT by ptsal
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