"Transatlantic Debate on AI-Powered Facial Recognition Technologies: EU and US Regulatory Models"

AI is a transformative force in the field of biometric technologies, particularly in facial recognition; it has spread rapidly to various sectors and applications. Its rise has also triggered significant risks and concerns, leading to the implementation of different regulatory solutions. This paper focuses on two influential examples: the European Union and the United States. The recently adopted EU AI Act introduced an unprecedented and comprehensive framework for AI governance with specific emphasis on remote identification systems. In the US, the regulatory scenario is fragmented, marked by ongoing debate and varying state and municipal initiatives. In the broader context of AI governance, the two models show differences and similarities. These disciplines reveal a pressing challenge: aligning facial recognition technologies with democratic values and fundamental rights.