Biometric Face Recognition: References for Policymakers

Face recognition (also referred to as facial recognition) is one of the most powerful and complex technologies in modern times. Like many forms of intelligent systems, it is a tool that can be used for good or lead to harm, and it is incumbent upon each organization to leverage that tool responsibly.

This technology and its related concerns (such as privacy, error rates, and demographic differentials) have recently generated significant attention throughout the policy community, which is a positive development. By its very nature, face recognition will never exist without legitimate associated concerns, so its use must include the appropriate safeguards and strong privacy protections from the beginning. Unfortunately, policymaker efforts have often not focused on realistic situations or priority issues, since many aspects of this technology are difficult to grasp – even by those providing guidance and recommendations to the policymakers