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

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.