Facial Recognition Technology Abandoned by San Francisco Gay Bars

Two well-known gay bars in San Francisco have decided to stop using facial recognition technology following community backlash over privacy concerns.

Badlands and Toad Hall made their announcement after locals expressed outrage over the use of PatronScan, a platform that uses AI to verify identities and identify problematic patrons.

“Starting immediately, we are halting the use of PatronScan while we take a closer look at our identity verification and security practices,” the bars stated in a post. “The safety of our guests and staff is our primary concern, alongside privacy and trust. During this time, our security team will conduct manual ID checks.”

Located in the Castro District, Badlands has returned to serving affordable cocktails and current hits after reopening post-pandemic. Toad Hall, with a rich history as a LGBTQIA+ venue, faced scrutiny back in June when it was reported that they were using PatronScan’s facial scanning product.

This decision is perceived as a win for privacy advocates. Groups like Fight for the Future, along with musicians including Zack de la Rocha and Tom Morello, have applauded the bars’ choice to abandon this technology.

Fight for the Future emphasized on social media, “If you fight, you will win! We will continue to advocate for a ban on dangerous AI surveillance technology across bustling venues.”

Currently, only three bars in San Francisco—Mix, Oracle Park, and 1015 Folsom—still utilize facial recognition technology.

This development follows a series of controversies around facial recognition, including lawsuits from Madison Square Garden due to their use of similar technology to maintain an exclusion list. Additionally, some grocery stores in the Bay Area began implementing facial recognition systems over the summer.

Various technology advocacy organizations have pointed out issues related to the accuracy of facial recognition, especially regarding its effectiveness on people of color.

Some music festivals have also taken a stand, pledging to oppose the use of such technology, although notable events like Outside Lands chose not to engage.

Evan Greer, a director at Fight for the Future and a transgender musician, said, “Queer and trans people want to be able to enjoy themselves without fear. We won’t stop until gay bars nationwide commit to avoiding these invasive surveillance techniques.”