I was recently asked for my opinion on whether facial recognition should be banned due to privacy concerns. What I find interesting is the first voiced concern over the topic of “privacy,” referred to as “the right to be left alone,” was a result of the invention of the camera.
Would we as a society have preferred that nothing have evolved since the camera? I don’t think preventing technology is the answer or sensible. So instead of focusing on the improbable, let’s focus on the possible.
“[…] we need to focus on managing its development to ensure society can reap the rewards while also ensuring the protection of human rights is not just contemplated but expected.”
Banning facial technology is not realistic; it’s like asking humanity to halt any further technological developments or advancements.
The problem is not the technology – is it how we govern its use.
Instead of opposing evolution, we need to focus on managing its development to ensure society can reap the rewards while also ensuring the protection of human rights is not just contemplated but expected.
Updating Privacy legislation to reflect ever-growing technological advancements is a must, and mandating privacy impact assessments would be a good start. We need to stop playing catch up and increase efforts on making privacy by design, part of tech design.
“Life is like a camera, focus on what’s important, and you’ll capture it perfectly.” - (quoted author unknown)
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