What is facial recognition technology? How does the use of facial recognition technology by the police impact New Yorkers? How do we balance public safety and privacy?

During the 2019-2020 school year, CUP collaborated with Teaching Artist Hugo Rojas and public high school students from the Bronx School for Law, Government, and Justice to explore the complicated world of facial recognition technology and its impact on local communities. To investigate, students got out of the classroom to survey members of their community, interview key stakeholders working on the issue, and create art to decode, rewire, and redesign the possibilities of facial recognition technology.

The group teamed up with Designer Stephanie Winarto to create this website to teach others what they learned about the effects of facial recognition technology on New Yorkers, present and future.

Check out the DataFace website here!

Check out more photos of the students in action here!

What People Are Saying

“I learned how to use video cameras and make films. I also learned how to take action with others when something doesn’t feel correct.” – Keismarie Hernandez, LGJ Student

“One of the skills that I learned was how to use cameras and record audio. I also learned how to communicate professionally.” – Anginel Matias, LGJ Student

“It’s really nice to improve my one-on-one conversation skills. I’m an introvert. If I get into a career in journalism all these skills can help me, and it helps me feel more confident when people ask questions.” – Andrew Silverio, LGJ Student

“My favorite part of the program was the interviewing because we got to hear other people’s thoughts on facial recognition technology. I’m going to take away the knowledge of how this technology works and share it with my peers because everyone needs to know how it works and who’s using this information, and what people can do [to protect themselves].” – Cecilia Espada, LGJ Student

“We could help tell our peers about how the government and other organizations are using this technology. We need to spread the word because people our age can make things move. We have social media and we’re really good at using it. If we can share this information with our friends and families we could get our privacy back.” – Mercy Trinidad, LGJ Student

Resources & Links

The Bronx School for Law, Government, and Justice (LGJ) combines law-related studies with real-world learning experiences for students in grades 6-12.

Hugo Rojas’ website.

Stephanie Winarto’s website.

Funding Support

Major support for this program was provided by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and Council Member Vanessa Gibson.

Special Thanks

Elijah Bobo, Jeneuse Geula, Martha Isaacs, Jocelyn Orante, Lauren Wansker

Participants

  • CUP
  • Teaching Artist
  • Hugo Rojas
  • Designer
  • Stephanie Winarto
  • Project Lead
  • Fielding Hong
  • Project Support
  • Leigh Taylor
  • LGJ
  • Principal
  • Johanie Hernandez
  • Director of Corporate and Community Partnerships
  • Kim Felder
  • Students
  • Cecilia Espada, Keismarie Hernandez, Anginel Matias, Andrew Silverio, Mercy Trinidad