Facial Recognition! The Highs and The Lows!

When it comes to the use of CCTV, the average law abiding British person is willing to trade off privacy for security. We have nothing to hide, so why should we mind being recorded? However, how do we feel about facial recognition technology and are we actually aware of what it is capable of?

In the simplest of forms, facial recognition is the ability for software to recognise a face. This is then linked to a plethora of databases to provide businesses, authorities or even private people with a range of information on an individual. If you wonder if you might be exposed to this sort of technology, the answer is that everyone with an online web presence is a potential target.

Of course, before we condemn all technology, there is an argument for facial recognition and the good it can do. Perhaps for finding a long lost friend or for identifying a potential suspect in a crime. However in day to day life, what other problems could it present.

Our first stop is the supermarket. Facial recognition is already used by most larger supermarkets and this is why we often get the announcements about known thieves operating in the area. But what about when supermarkets use facial recognition to prey on our emotions. For example, is there a woman who just had a baby…what could the supermarket “push” her way? Or the elderly man who just lost his wife, suddenly there is an offer on ready meals for one! This is known as predatory advertising and it is probably happening all ready.

The other concern is the reliability of facial recognition applications. Predictions suggest that facial recognition technologies could eventually become part of the hiring process at interviews. Yet how can we be sure that our pictures are linked to the right information?

Of course the question will arise, what are the authorities doing to protect us? The problem is the speed at which technology advances. Updates occur overnight and comprehensive laws take some time to develop. These days many people use google to google other people, it has become standard practice. But do we have a right to remain anonymous? Is it even possible to live a life without an online digital footprint? The current legislation is being challenged and governments are discussing new regulations which will help to protect citizens. However until then,we suggest switching your social media privacy settings on!