There are topics that are gaining momentum on the current agenda and it seems that no one can escape without joining the wave of the latest trend. In some cases they are absolutely passing fads, but others are irremediably here to stay. Whether we like it or not. One of them could well be the use of facial recognition systems.
This will certainly not be a one-time fad. There is too much potential behind it and, therefore, a lot of investment in R&D that powers this technology. The business seems juicy enough to invest in it to achieve the best system for each potential purpose. And in this situation, it is when we hear everywhere about applications and uses of biometric recognition that are coming to solve people's lives and make everything faster and more comfortable just by putting your face in front of a scanner.
Among the most recent examples we can list the verification and surveillance of students taking virtual exams, unlocking your mobile phone without having to type in the security code or draw a pattern with your finger, accessing trade fairs, boarding at airports, operating the ATM at the bank or opening your car.
The mantra, in any case, is security. Biometrics as a firewall against fraud, scams or cybercrime. And so, every week we see news of new developments for new uses.
The issue that alerts those who, beyond technological advances, are also concerned with safeguarding people's rights is that all of this is being done without clear regulation. This could endanger fundamental rights, because we should not forget that all of this works based on the massive collection of personal data.
If we limit ourselves to the European space and put into play the general data protection regulation, where do we place those principles of proportionality, minimization or express consent and the right of access... or the information on what personal data is collected for and until when. Why is it really necessary for the bank to have biometric information from its customers to be able to make a deposit, a transfer or withdraw money from the ATM? We are sure that the face scan will be solely and exclusively for these very rustic operations and that it will not influence the fact that no algorithm can later decide whether to grant a loan, deny insurance or apply different commissions. This type of technology is not innocuous and, unfortunately, we already know that it is not far from invasive, overly limited and discriminatory uses for classist, sexist or racist reasons.
That's why it's important not to embrace these technological advances by default. We demand some thought behind it and a guarantee for our rights. If they've stabbed us one day, maybe we don't have to turn the other cheek right away.
