Facial recognition technology is coming under fire for privacy concerns around how biometrics data is collected, stored and used.
As the first state with with a law regulating how government agencies can use facial recognition software, Washington provides other states with a blueprint on how—and how not to—tackle the security and privacy questions around the technology.
Several senior senators have asked the heads of 39 federal law enforcement agencies to detail any and all use of facial recognition systems.
Major tech companies and some lawmakers are pushing for rules on using facial recognition systems, but federal regulation isn't on the horizon.
Microsoft President Brad Smith is asking Congress to step in and regulate the use of facial recognition technology to help prevent abuse.