{"id":14469,"date":"2021-03-18T17:06:49","date_gmt":"2021-03-18T16:06:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magazine.swissinformatics.org\/?p=14469"},"modified":"2022-06-28T12:53:13","modified_gmt":"2022-06-28T10:53:13","slug":"gesichtserkennung-stellungnahme-der-si-fachgruppe-informatik-gesellschaft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.swissinformatics.org\/it\/gesichtserkennung-stellungnahme-der-si-fachgruppe-informatik-gesellschaft\/","title":{"rendered":"Facial Recognition Statement of the SI Expert Group “Informatics & Society”"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the SI’s specialist group “Informatics and Society”, we recommend banning facial recognition with the potential for mass surveillance in public spaces. Not only because of the known and in many places described shortcomings of the technology (discrimination, false recognition), but especially because of the inhibiting effects on democratic processes (e.g. public rallies) and the diversity of our society (creativity, self-expression), we consider the damage caused by such biometric mass surveillance to be greater than the possible benefit. The same applies to the use of facial recognition in quasi-public contexts (which include football stadiums, train stations, shopping malls, among others) as long as the laws regarding data storage and re-use are not defined.<\/p>\n

Mass surveillance using biometric technologies<\/strong><\/p>\n

Data collected about us, with or without our consent, already leads to the ability to predict and manipulate our behavior, mostly as consumers. Using biometric tracking, facial recognition operators know who has been where (and with whom) and when. This multiplies the power that private or public organizations gain. Facial recognition applications are particularly problematic because they take place unnoticed. The possibility for ‘opt-in’ or ‘opt-out’ is not given.<\/p>\n

Ban versus moratorium<\/strong><\/p>\n

Not only the shortcomings of the current technology, which can lead to discrimination, false suspicion, and even unjust decisions, argue for banning facial recognition for mass surveillance in public spaces.\u00a0 We estimate the fundamental potential for harm to be so great that even improved technology will not be able to solve the problem of data handling. Therefore, facial recognition with the potential for mass surveillance should be permanently banned.<\/p>\n

Democratic process and evolution<\/strong><\/p>\n

Permanent area-wide observation inhibits the willingness to participate in social and opinion-forming processes and leads to conformist, conformist behavior. This contradicts our democracy and our values and is an attack on freedom of expression and human dignity. In addition, mass surveillance impairs diversity, creativity and our opportunities for development.<\/p>\n

Misuse and unauthorized use of biometric data<\/strong><\/p>\n

Without banning or at least regulating facial recognition, the door is opened to the misuse of biometric data. Police officers and other state employees can, for example, identify political dissidents by means of facial recognition and subsequently stalk or mob them (see e.g. NSU 2.0 in Germany).<\/p>\n

Also vulnerable to misuse are image databases at private companies such as ClearView and PimEyes, which allow people to be identified from an image or to perform a reverse search using facial images.<\/p>\n

References and further information<\/strong><\/p>\n