BREAKING: facing boycott campaign, SF gay bars abandon AI face scanners

SAN FRANCISCO, CA––Two prominent Bay Area gay bars have announced plans to “pause” their use of “Patronscan” face scanning devices after digital rights group Fight for the Future launched a boycott campaign with hundreds of prominent artists pledging to boycott venues that use AI surveillance.

The SF Gazetteer published a story on the boycott campaign earlier today, noting that prominent artists including Tune-Yards, members of Rage Against the Machine and Bikini Kill, and Deerhoof had signed on to the pledge. Shortly after the publication, the Gazetteer received this statement from a spokesperson for Badlands and Toad Hall:

“We have heard the concerns regarding the use of PatronScan at Badlands and Toad Hall in San Francisco, and we are listening. Effective immediately, we are pausing the use of PatronScan while we review our ID verification and security practices,” said Brian Aranda, director of operations at both bars. “The safety of our guests and staff remains a priority, as do privacy and trust“Our security teams will continue to thoroughly check IDs manually during this time. We appreciate everyone who has shared their concerns and remain committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all.”

These prominent venues backing down from use of face scanning tech is a major victory for privacy advocates and the LGBTQ+ community. Now that Toad Hall and Badlands have stopped using Patronscan, Mix, Oracle Park, and 1015 Folsom are the only other bars in SF continuing to use the tech according to Club 1984, a site created by AI Action Now. Other venues including El Rio, La Peña Cultural Center, DNA Lounge, and Cheaper than Therapy have signed the pledge committing to never use this type of tech on patrons.

Digital rights group Fight for the Future, who organized the boycott campaign, issued the following statement, which can be attributed to the group’s director, transgender musician Evan Greer (she/her):

“AI surveillance technology is creepy for anyone going to a show or a club, but it’s particularly dangerous for members of the LGBTQ+ community who are facing increased attacks on our rights and safety. The backlash from the community has been swift and severe. Queer and trans people want to be able to dance and gather and party without fear. Our boycott campaign has already pushed two of the most prominent venues using this stalker-tech to abandon it. We won’t stop until gay bars across the country commit to never using this type of invasive and discriminatory surveillance tech at the door.”

Fight for the Future is continuing its campaign against the use of AI surveillance in concert venues, bars, and places of public accommodation. See the latest signers on the pledge here: https://www.banfacialrecognition.com/venues

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