Ban the Scan: End the use of facial recognition technology on Palestinians

November 29, 2024

Good morning. Remember that every day is a good day to create a safer world for Palestinians.

LEARN. Review the interactive “Ban the Scan” webpage by Amnesty International.

NOTICE. What does it feel like to learn that any Israeli soldier may have access to facial recognition technology on their phone and that they may be using it to identify any Palestinian, at any time, for any purpose? Do you feel frustrated, frightened, angry, activated, or something else?

ACT. Take the two simple actions recommended at the bottom of the “Ban the Scan” webpage. One action is to send letters to leaders of companies that manufacture components of the facial recognition system, and the other action is signing a petition.

SHARE. Forward this email to at least three friends and colleagues who will be moved to learn about the facial recognition technology being used to harm Palestinians, and who will want to take the two simple actions recommended on the “Ban the Scan” page.

ASK. What resources do you need to talk about Palestine with friends and colleagues? Please reply to this email (or, if you are reading this online, leave a comment below) to let us know.* We’ll help you find the resources you need.

In solidarity for Palestinian liberation,

Kay Coughlin, on behalf of the Shades of Anger collective

Click here to read online or listen to the audio version of this post:

*You can also continue the conversation with us in the Speaking Up Network, a private social media platform co-created by Animah Kosai, one of the leaders of Shades of Anger.

Shades of Anger was created by a global collective of women to raise awareness and inspire action to free Palestine. We chose the name of our collective to honor the poem, “Shades of Anger,” by Palestinian-Canadian poet Rafeef Ziadah. We also believe in liberation for Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, and all places where systems of oppression are causing immense suffering and crushing the life out humans. We are led by women of the Global Majority/BIPOC. Shades of Anger is for everyone who wants to act for liberation and you can learn more about it here.