French Police May Have Been Unlawfully Using Facial Recognition Since 2015
(Biometric Update, Nov 15, 2023)
“In 2015, law enforcement authorities secretly acquired surveillance video image analysis software from the Israeli company BriefCam. For eight years, the Ministry of the Interior has concealed the use of this tool, which enables facial recognition,” says the Disclose report. Even more damning: “This has become a habit.”
Councilman Calls for Transparency in Use of Facial Recognition Technology
(WMAR 2 News Baltimore, Nov 15, 2023)
Surveillance footage, including facial recognition technology, is constantly being collected on each and every one of us daily and it’s why Burnett said city neighbors have a right to know when our data is being collected and how it’s being used and stored. “At this point, there’s not a lot of transparency on how this technology is used, where it’s being used, what the impact is,” Burnett said.
[Paywall] Why Facial Recognition Software is Stoking Privacy Fears
(Bloomberg, Nov 15, 2023)
Facial recognition technology unlocks our smartphones, speeds passengers through airports and finds missing children. But the technology’s increasing use by law enforcement agencies and big corporations has prompted concerns from civil liberties advocates, who worry about the loss of privacy and the chilling of dissent. Big Tech has even sounded the alarm, with Amazon Inc. founder Jeff Bezos calling facial recognition “a perfect example of where regulation is needed.” Facial recognition technology scans features on the human face and analyzes them — for instance, measuring the distances between the eyes, nose and mouth, and the shape of the cheeks, lips and ears. Each person’s features are combined to form a kind of digital “faceprint” that is unique to them. The technology can identify a person by comparing images of their face with existing photographs published online or in government or police databases, such as mugshots or passport photos.
ICO Publishes Guidance on Monitoring Workers
(Lexology, Nov 15, 2023)
On 3 October 2023, the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) published guidance for employers across both the public and private sectors on how to monitor workers in accordance with data protection law. Against the backdrop of technological developments and a rise in remote working, the guidance aims to provide “greater regulatory certainty; protect workers’ data protection rights; and help employers to build trust with workers, customers and service users”.
Frankfurt Airport Extends Biometric Check-In Technology to All Travelers
(Business Traveler USA, Nov 15, 2023)
SITA’s Smart Path biometric solution leverages NEC’s I:Delight digital identity management platform, ranked as the world’s most accurate facial recognition system, capable of identifying passengers quickly and accurately, even when they’re on the move.
