San Francisco gay bars halt use of facial recognition software designed to detect fake IDs after LGBTQ community backlash

Two San Francisco gay bars are pausing the use of a facial scanning program used to check IDs after backlash from the gay community and privacy rights advocates. 

Toad Hall, located in San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood along with Badlands, said in a statement, “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.”

PatronScan describes its Guard+ technology as the “forensic ID scanner to catch fake IDs.” The company says “Guard+ runs over 8,500 forensic checks on every ID it scans, catching sophisticated fakes, verifying ages in seconds, and giving your front-of-house team real-time access to the patron intelligence they need.” Other clubs in the area, including the Mix, Oracle Park, and 1015 Folsom, also use the technology. 

Toad Hall continued, “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.”

Backlash arose after it was revealed that the clubs were using the technology, with Fight for the Future, a privacy rights group, launching a petition. Artists such as Rage Against the Machine, Tune-Yards, Bikini Kill, and Deerhoof have boycotted venues that use Patronscan’s technology. The petition as of Friday had gained around 2,000 signatures, Per SFGate.

PatronScan’s technology stores information such as the clubgoer’s ZIP code, gender, birth date, and ID expiration date in a database, as well as the photo taken for up to 21 days. 

PatronScan spokesperson Rhiannon Mosoronchon told the outlet, “we’re aware of the pause on these accounts and have been in contact with the venues to offer our support in providing whatever information or adjustments they need as they work through a review of their security practices. We respect their decision to complete this review and look forward to hearing how we can help.”