Facial Recognition Ban: Kent vs Seattle
How do facial recognition ban rules compare between Kent, WA and Seattle, WA?
Kent, WA
King County
No data available yet for Kent.
Seattle, WA
King County
Seattle SMC 14.18 (2017, expanded 2018) makes Seattle one of the first US cities to require City Council approval and a Surveillance Impact Report before any city department acquires or deploys surveillance technology, including facial recognition.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Kent | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Code | - | SMC 14.18 |
| Adopted | - | 2017 |
| Approval body | - | City Council |
| Review document | - | Surveillance Impact Report |
| SPD facial rec | - | Not approved |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Kent FAQ
No FAQs available.
Seattle FAQ
Does Seattle police use facial recognition?
No. SPD has not received Council approval to deploy facial recognition under SMC 14.18, and department policy prohibits its use. Officers cannot run images through third-party facial-recognition services.
What about private-sector facial recognition in Seattle?
Washington's RCW 19.375 (biometric identifiers) and the 2023 My Health My Data Act regulate commercial biometric collection. Notice and consent are generally required before enrollment.
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