What Facial Recognition Technology Means for Privacy and Civil Liberties

There is nothing inherently right or wrong with facial recognition technology. Just like any other new and powerful technology, it is a tool that can be used for great good. But if we do not stop and carefully consider the way we use this technology, it could also be abused in ways that could threaten basic aspects of our privacy and civil liberties. Biometric information is among the most sensitive of private information, mainly because it is both unique and permanent. You cannot change your fingerprint, and you cannot change your face-unless, you go to a great deal of trouble. Indeed, the dimensions of our faces are unique to each of us- just like our fingerprints. Just like fingerprint analysis, facial recognition technology allows others to identify you with what is called a "faceprint"-a unique file describing your face. Once someone has your faceprint, they can get your name, they can find your social networking account, and they can find and track you in the street, in the stores that you visit, the Government buildings you enter, and the photos your friends post online. Your face is a conduit to an incredible amount of information about you, and facial recognition technology can allow others to access all of that information from a distance, without your knowledge, and in about as much time as it takes to snap a photo.