NFL
Why did the Las Vegas police threaten Raiders games over biometric data?
The facial authentication system was tested during Super Bowl LVIII to limit access based on the restrictions of each credential.
The NFL has decided to implement a new security measure in its stadiums, but not everyone is happy. The league will use a facial authentication system to access the field, press boxes, and locker rooms. However, security forces do not agree with the conditions.
Steve Grammas, president of the Las Vegas Police Protective Association, said in a video recovered by TMZ Sports that the police union has serious concerns about the facial authentication policies. Therefore, the work of security forces at Allegiant Stadium could be in jeopardy since they do not want to give their biometric data to the NFL.
“And they’re going to extend that to their NFL family partners to use your information should they need to… That branches into a lot of places that your biometric data could be exposed to a lot of people that you may not want it to be,” Grammas said in the video. “This leads to many places where your biometrics could be exposed to many people you wouldn’t want it to be exposed to.”
The facial authentication system was tested during Super Bowl LVIII and at six other venues during the 2023 season. The league's goal is to implement the program in all stadiums for the upcoming season.
What will happen to the police at Raiders games?
The Las Vegas Police Department is resisting the National Football League’s new security measures.
They have threatened to boycott working Raiders games if the NFL’s new measures remain in place.
The Raiders’ first preseason game at Allegiant Stadium will be on August 17 against the Dallas Cowboys. Despite the threat, officials intend to continue working games at the facility on 3333 Al Davis Way until the authentication policy is enforced.