1. LIVE ENTERTAINMENT COMPANIES FOREGO FACIAL RECOGNITION TECH: Live entertainment companies AEG Presents and Live Nation both announced they would no longer plan to use facial recognition at music festivals and concerts, after musicians criticized the controversial technology. Musicians have decried the use of the technology, which enables venues to recognize patrons by their faces and other biometric features. Associated Press: “Venue operators have talked about using the technology at gateways to secure entry for select groups or to offer perks for repeat customers. Privacy advocates worry that such uses might also pave the way for greater intrusions, such as scanning audience members in real time to analyze their behavior. … Facial recognition isn’t seen in many musical venues. The biggest location known to employ it is New York City’s Madison Square Garden, which confirmed this week that facial recognition is one of the security measures it uses ‘to ensure the safety of everyone’ in the arena.”
2. M.L.B. BANS WORLD SERIES FLASHERS: Major League Baseball has banned two women who flashed their breasts at Game 5 of the World Series on Sunday from all stadiums indefinitely. On Instagram, the women shared a letter from David Thomas, vice president of security and ballpark operations for the M.L.B., which read that they “violated the fan code of conduct by exposing yourself during the seventh inning in order to promote a business.” Washington Post: “The women, who were wearing yellow shirts, were sitting a few rows behind the plate, plainly in the line of sight of Houston Astros ace Gerrit Cole. They stood and raised their shirts, with Cole turning away from the plate and walking around the pitcher’s mound as the batter called for a timeout. It is unclear whether Cole stepped away because he was distracted by the stunt. They were escorted out by security.”
3. AIRBNB OFFERING FREE HOUSING TO CALIFORNIA FIRE EVACUEES: The wildfires raging in California have displaced thousands of people from their homes, and Airbnb is offering evacuees temporary shelter for free. Through the home-sharing platform’s Open Homes program, displaced people and disaster relief workers affected by the Tick and Kincade wildfires can book free accommodations through November 7. CNN: “Airbnb is encouraging homeowners in Santa Clarita, Sonoma County, and the surrounding areas to participate by listing their homes for $0 on the site. The Kincade, Tick, and Getty fires have forced many residents to evacuate in the face of encroaching wildfires and power shutoffs. The Kincade Fire alone has displaced almost 200,000 people over an estimated 50,000 acres. … Through Open Homes, Airbnb organizes relief stays for people needing a home or bed in the face of natural disaster, war, conflict, or other disastrous events. The program acts as a tool for people to open their homes in affected areas.”