PORTLAND, Maine - The Portland City Council has voted unanimously to ban the use of facial recognition technology. The Portland Press Herald reports that councilors voted Monday in favor of the proposal submitted by City Councilor Pious Ali in November.
The council did not explain why now was the time to move the item. The ordinance will take effect in 30 days.
In November voters will vote on a referendum to ban facial recognition that would replace the ordinance and could not be touched for five years.
Ali amended his proposal to fall in line with the ban on November's ballot. However, councilors removed an enforcement provision.