Rhode Island Courts Using Facial Recognition to Track People

New technology raises privacy concerns as state expands biometric surveillance.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:05am

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Rhode Island courts have begun using facial recognition technology to track individuals, raising concerns from civil liberties groups about privacy and the potential for abuse of the powerful surveillance tool. The state has expanded its use of biometric identification systems in recent years, drawing criticism from those who argue the technology disproportionately impacts marginalized communities.

Why it matters

The use of facial recognition by government agencies has become a contentious issue nationwide, with many cities and states banning or limiting its use due to concerns about accuracy, bias, and infringement on civil liberties. Rhode Island's embrace of the technology puts it at odds with growing public skepticism and regulatory crackdowns in other parts of the country.

The details

Rhode Island courts have integrated facial recognition software into their security systems, allowing them to scan faces of individuals entering courthouses and match them against a database of known offenders. State officials argue the technology improves public safety, but civil liberties groups warn it could be misused to track protesters, immigrants, and other vulnerable groups.

  • Rhode Island courts began using facial recognition in 2024.
  • The state expanded its biometric surveillance program in 2025 to include more courthouses.

The players

Rhode Island Judiciary

The state's court system, which has implemented facial recognition technology in its security operations.

American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island

A civil liberties organization that has criticized the state's use of facial recognition as a violation of privacy rights.

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What they’re saying

“Facial recognition technology has a well-documented history of bias and inaccuracy, especially when it comes to women and people of color. Expanding its use in our courts is a dangerous step that threatens the rights and freedoms of all Rhode Islanders.”

— Steven Brown, Executive Director, ACLU of Rhode Island

“This technology helps us keep our courthouses safe and secure. We're not using it to track or monitor law-abiding citizens, but to identify potential threats and prevent crime.”

— Thomas Paolino, Chief Justice, Rhode Island Judiciary

What’s next

The ACLU of Rhode Island has vowed to challenge the state's use of facial recognition in court, arguing it violates the state constitution's privacy protections.

The takeaway

Rhode Island's embrace of facial recognition technology in its courts highlights the ongoing tension between public safety and civil liberties, as states and municipalities grapple with the appropriate use of powerful surveillance tools.