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Facial Recognition at Madison Square Garden

Schneier on Security

Overview

Madison Square Garden has been using facial recognition technology to monitor everyone entering the venue, specifically flagging individuals who oppose the use of such surveillance, including activists. This practice raises significant privacy concerns, especially as it appears to create a divide between those with privilege and the general public; for example, the system was turned off during Taylor Swift's wedding, a stark contrast to her reported use of facial recognition at her concerts to identify potential stalkers. Activist Evan Greer criticized this 'privacy for me, surveillance for thee' mentality, pointing out the troubling implications of corporate surveillance on everyday individuals. The situation reflects broader societal issues regarding privacy and the use of technology by powerful entities. It raises questions about who gets to enjoy privacy and who is subjected to surveillance in public spaces.

Key Takeaways

  • Affected Systems: Facial recognition technology at Madison Square Garden
  • Timeline: Disclosed last month

Original Article Summary

Last month, the story broke (alternate link) that Madison Square Garden uses facial recognition software on everyone entering the facility, and—among other groups—flags activists that oppose using facial recognition. Turns out that the system was shut off for Taylor Swift’s wedding. Evan Greer—one of the people that MSG alerts on—comments: Ironically, Swift herself has reportedly used facial recognition at her own concerts to identify stalkers. This “privacy for me, surveillance for thee” attitude feels like a perfect encapsulation of the future we’re already living in: one where wealthy elites can afford privacy, while the rest of us are forced to live in a corporate surveillance panopticon...

Impact

Facial recognition technology at Madison Square Garden

Exploitation Status

No active exploitation has been reported at this time. However, organizations should still apply patches promptly as proof-of-concept code may exist.

Timeline

Disclosed last month

Remediation

Not specified

Additional Information

This threat intelligence is aggregated from trusted cybersecurity sources. For the most up-to-date information, technical details, and official vendor guidance, please refer to the original article linked below.

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