Scanning the facial-recognition landscape: clear opportunities, but dangers abound

This report is available to those subscribed to the Digital Consumer module.
The use of automated facial recognition (AFR) is gaining traction as the number of trials for the technology increases. AFR is a biometric identity and security solution that typically uses AI to cross reference faces from camera images against a database in real time. It raises a number of potential ethical and legal issues, not least because it reflects the broader challenge of implementing AI throughout society. Though proponents advocate the benefits of AFR for consumers and citizens, firms and policymakers alike have to ensure it is not used in a way that is harmful, intrusive or unlawful. Otherwise, progress may stall in the fast-growing facial-recognition market, especially given the growing public unease stemming from recent data breaches and mounting concerns around civil liberties being eroded.
Related research
The Mobile Economy Latin America 2025
Operators across Latin America are making steady progress on their 5G journey, with adoption forecast to reach more than 50% by 2030. This latest edition of The Mobile Economy Latin America provides an update on key mobile market data and the impact of mobile on the economy across the region.
Mobile Data Deck, Q1 2025
The GSMA Intelligence Mobile Data Deck offers a fast track to all the essential data you need to know, with key mobile metrics in one easy-to-use deck of charts. The forecasts to 2030 include connections by region and technology generation, smartphone connections and adoption, and mobile operator revenue.
The Mobile Economy Eurasia 2025
Governments in Eurasia are increasingly using mobile connectivity as a platform to transform their countries into modern digital economies. This shift is driven by the recognition that robust digital infrastructure, particularly mobile networks, improves public services and unlocks economic growth. Across the region, mobile connectivity is enabling citizens to engage with e-government systems and access education, healthcare and emergency services, even from remote and mountainous regions.
Authors
How to access this report
Annual subscription: Subscribe to our research modules for comprehensive access to more than 200 reports per year.
Enquire about subscriptionContact our research team
Get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis.
Contact our research teamMedia
To cite our research, please see our citation policy in our Terms of Use, or contact our Media team for more information.
Learn moreRelated research
The Mobile Economy Latin America 2025
Operators across Latin America are making steady progress on their 5G journey, with adoption forecast to reach more than 50% by 2030. This latest edition of The Mobile Economy Latin America provides an update on key mobile market data and the impact of mobile on the economy across the region.
Mobile Data Deck, Q1 2025
The GSMA Intelligence Mobile Data Deck offers a fast track to all the essential data you need to know, with key mobile metrics in one easy-to-use deck of charts. The forecasts to 2030 include connections by region and technology generation, smartphone connections and adoption, and mobile operator revenue.
The Mobile Economy Eurasia 2025
Governments in Eurasia are increasingly using mobile connectivity as a platform to transform their countries into modern digital economies. This shift is driven by the recognition that robust digital infrastructure, particularly mobile networks, improves public services and unlocks economic growth. Across the region, mobile connectivity is enabling citizens to engage with e-government systems and access education, healthcare and emergency services, even from remote and mountainous regions.
- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics