Biometric technology has long been used for security and law enforcement purposes such as national security watch lists, passport controls, criminal fingerprint databases, and immigration processing. Now, however, the private sector increasingly uses these systems as a verification method for authentication that previously required a PIN or password. Apple’s decision to include a fingerprint scanner in the iPhone in 2013 brought new public awareness to possible non-law-enforcement applications of biometric technologies, and the company’s shift to facial recognition access in the most recent models further normalized the concept. Biometric technology continues to be adopted in many sectors, including financial services, transportation, health care, computer systems and facility access, and voting. In many cases, this technology is more efficient, less expensive, and easier to use than traditional alternatives, while also eliminating the need for passwords, which are broadly recognized as an insufficiently secure safeguard for user data. However, as with any digital system, there are privacy concerns around the collection, use, storage, sharing, and analysis of the data that are generated by these systems.
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FPF Releases Understanding Facial Detection, Characterization, and Recognition Technologies and Privacy Principles for Facial Recognition Technology in Commercial Applications
These resources will help businesses and policymakers better understand and evaluate the growing use of face-based biometric technology systems when used for consumer applications. Facial recognition technology can help users organize and label photos, improve online services for visually impaired users, and help stores and stadiums better serve customers. At the same time, the technology often involves the collection and use of sensitive biometric data, requiring careful assessment of the data protection issues raised. Understanding the technology and building trust are necessary to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks.
Facial Recognition and Privacy
Facial Recognition is an exciting technology that promises a host of consumer benefits but also raises a range of privacy concerns. In order to help advance policy discussions around different uses of “computer vision,” we are releasing today a Facial Recognition Discussion Document. We hope the background review of current legal and policymaker guidance is […]