Biometric surveillance has become ubiquitous since governments have started collecting physiological data, such as fingerprints. In recent years, we have seen a surge in the development and deployment of algorithmic-driven biometric surveillance, specifically facial and emotion recognition. Yet these systems are fundamentally incompatible with democracy and human rights, threatening the civic freedoms of all, especially marginalised groups and civil society. Against the backdrop of shrinking civic space around the world, it is paramount to collectively stand up against this threat. By focusing not on the technology itself, but on the harms it causes to civil society and affected communities, we can stop the use of biometric surveillance in the public space – and avoid amplifying and exacerbating structural discrimination, monitoring, targeting, and oppression of marginalised groups.
We conducted virtual consultations with 11 digital rights experts who, through their CSOs, have conducted successful campaigns against biometric surveillance across Europe, the United States, Latin America, and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. We have learned about the advocacy strategies they used in their campaigns and received advice and recommendations for CSOs looking to launch campaigns of their own. These consultations, along with our own experience and desk research about the policy positions, campaigns, and litigation regarding biometric surveillance, informed our report.
In our report, we detail a multifaceted approach to pushing back against biometric surveillance. Specifically, we highlight key tactics to achieve this through policy advocacy, evidence collection, strategic litigation, coalition and capacity building, company and investor engagement, and awareness campaigns (media and art) serving as an initial blueprint for CSOs worldwide to act against biometric surveillance in their communities.