Facial Recognition Scope, Concerns Over Absence of Data Protection Regulation
Recently, the increasing use of facial recognition technology (FRT) in the absence of a data protection law has raised concerns.
The Facial Recognition Technology system is in the process of being deployed at airports in Kolkata, Varanasi, Pune, Vijayawada, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. It is noteworthy that this system is being tested under the Digi Yatra initiative of the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Digi Yatra envisages an integrated mechanism to improve safety as well as enhance the seamless travel experience for passengers.
Facial recognition is a method of identifying or confirming the identity of a person through his or her face. People can be recognized in photos, videos or in real-time using facial recognition technology.
Uses of FRT
- Enables better identification of criminals, unidentified dead bodies and missing/found children and persons at check-points like entry points, security checks, aircraft entry etc.
- Records biometric attendance or authentication.
Issues related to FRT:
- FRT is an invasion of privacy, where surveillance is done without consent or without informing the person on camera.
- FRT could potentially be used for state-sponsored mass surveillance.
- Lack of data protection legislation, strong surveillance reform and a specific FRT regulation.
- Low level of accuracy in identification.
Source – The Hindu
