Atlantic privacy commissioners question growing use of facial recognition - Action News
Home WebMail Monday, November 11, 2024, 02:20 AM | Calgary | -0.9°C | Regions Advertise Login | Our platform is in maintenance mode. Some URLs may not be available. |
NL

Atlantic privacy commissioners question growing use of facial recognition

The technology is on the rise, but the implications needs to be balanced against the potential benefits, warn the privacy commissioners from four provinces.

Privacy implications need to be carefully weighed against any potential benefits

A poster, simulating facial recognition software, was part of the Security China 2018 exhibition. (Thomas Peter/Reuters)

Information and privacy commissioners in Atlantic Canada marked Data Privacy Day on Tuesday by highlighting the growing prevalence of facial recognition technology.

The commissioners from Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island say that while the technology is in limited use in Canada, it is being increasingly employed by public bodies and private companies around the world.

In a joint statement, the commissioners say as the technology matures, "There is little doubt that Canadian public bodies will explore its use to enhance their delivery of goods and services."

They say in every such instance, the privacy implications that arise need to be carefully considered and weighed against the potential benefits.

N.L.'s information and privacy commissioner Michael Harvey and his counterparts from three other provinces say the onus is on public bodies to consult with the public about the technology. (Peter Cowan/CBC)

The commissioners say they have previously questioned their respective governments on the need for the technology, as well as on the safeguards needed to protect the information gathered from its potential misuse.

They say the onus is on public bodies to educate and consult with the public when it comes to the implementation of the technology, which is currently used by provincial governments in the region to confirm the identities of people seeking government-issued photo identification.

Read more stories from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador