Physiognomist AI systems that attempt to detect internal states (emotions, criminality, personality) from facial appearance replicate historical pseudosciences of phrenology and physiognomy, which have clear racial and ability-based harm histories.
factualpending
Speaker
Dr. Alex HannahEvidence Quote
“It it really harks back to this early vision of physionometry in which there are kind of internal states whether it's criminality or personality determined by individuals faces and what they look like.”
Source
Authors of "THE AI CON" discussing the problematic hype about AI & what those working tech should do— Product Impact Reports | AI Strategy & PlaybooksCreated: 8/11/2026, 7:41:46 AM
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