Facial recognition technology (FRT) has emerged as an attractive solution to address many contemporary needs for identification and the verification of identity claims. As FRT increasingly moves from the research laboratory into the world of socio-political concerns and practices there is a need to bridge the divide between a purely technical and a purely socio-political analysis of FRT. This is the aim of this report. In doing this the report addresses the unique challenges and concerns that attend its development, evaluation, and specific operational uses, contexts, and goals. It highlights the potential and limitations of the technology, noting those tasks for which it seems ready for deployment, those areas where performance obstacles may be overcome by future technological developments or sound operating procedures, and still other issues which appear intractable. As such its concern with efficacy also extends to ethical considerations.