Technology is great, but we may not always comprehend its intended uses. Ticketmaster has invested in facial recognition technology, with the purpose of allowing a concertgoer to associate their digital ticket with their image, allowing them to enter a show. While that seems like something that would be useful, a group of musicians and other concerned parties are worried about another use for the technology.

Tom Morello is among a number of musicians from different genres who have joined a coalition called Fight for the Future asking for the surveillance to be banned because it might single out audience members for the purpose of being unjustly detained, harassed or judged.

"Ticketmaster — owned by the same company as Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, Electric Daisy Carnival, Electric Forest, and more — is investing in facial recognition technology, which puts undocumented fans, fans of color, trans fans, and fans with criminal records at risk of being unjustly detained, harassed, or judged. 24/7 mass surveillance will not keep concerts safe. We can stop this," reads a statement on the campaign website.

The site allows fans to sign a petition, to share their stance with artists and festivals on social media and makes it easy for artists and venues to tweet their support for a ban of the technology via social media. One of the info graphics can be seen below.

Fight for the Future

Prophets of Rage guitarist Tom Morello stated in a tweet, "I don’t want Big Brother at my shows targeting fans for harassment, deportation, or arrest. That’s why I’m joining this campaign calling on @Ticketmaster and others not to use #facialrecognition at festivals and concerts."

Other artists lending their support to the campaign include Anti-Flag, Amanda Palmer, Atmosphere, Brian Fallon, The Glitch Mob, Thievery Corporation and more. Learn more about the campaign here.