IBM says it is no longer working on face recognition because it's used for racial profiling

The news: IBM has said the company will stop developing or selling facial recognition software due to concerns the technology is used to promote racism. In a letter to Congress, IBM's CEO Arvind Krishna said the tech giant opposes any technology used "for mass surveillance, racial profiling, violations of basic human rights and freedoms." He called for a "national dialogue" on whether and how it is appropriate for facial recognition technology to be used by domestic law enforcement agencies. The letter also called for new federal rules to crack down on police misconduct, and more training and education for in-demand skills to improve economic opportunities for people of color. Not a new concern: Activists and experts have been pointing out for years that facial recognition systems are biased, and flagging concerns about its potential for abuse.