Facial Recognition
About:
- It is a biometric technology that recognises and distinguishes people by using unique facial traits.
- It has changed significantly over the course of nearly six decades, going from analysing the 3D features of a face to identifying skin patterns.
- The extensive database (which includes images and videos of people’s faces) is utilised in the Automated Facial Recognition System (AFRS) to match and identify the individual.
- Using artificial intelligence technology, a CCTV image of an unidentified individual is compared to the database to look for patterns and matches.
Working:
- The facial recognition system basically functions by photographing the face and its characteristics, reconstructing those aspects using various types of software, and then identifying the face.
- A database that can be connected with any type of software that may be used for security purposes, financial services, etc. stores the captured face together with its features.
Need:
Authentication:
- With a success rate of over 75%, it is utilised for identification and authentication reasons.
Increasing Force:
- This can be a force multiplier in India, where there are only 144 constables for 1 lakh people. It doesn’t need frequent upgrades or a lot of personnel.
- This technology might therefore be a game-changer when combined with the available labour.
Challenges:
Costs of Infrastructure:
- Big data and artificial intelligence are expensive to implement.
- The amount of information that has to be saved is enormous, necessitating the use of expansive network and data storage infrastructure that India at this time does not have.
A breach of privacy:
- Although the government intends to solve the privacy issue through a legislative framework like the data privacy regime, it conflicts with other goals it is trying to accomplish by using this technology.
Authenticity and dependability:
- The accuracy and legality of the data, as well as the standards and process followed, would be taken into account since they may be utilised in a court of law throughout the course of a criminal prosecution.
Data Protection Law Absence:
- Another issue with FRT systems is the lack of data protection legislation that would require the required precautions in the gathering and storing of user data.
Inherent Difficulties:
- Another issue is the possibility that the face will change over time and develop new features.
Steps to Take:
- Data is a significant resource in the current digital era that shouldn’t be left uncontrolled. In light of this, India should establish a strong data protection regime.
- It is time for the 2019 Personal Data Protection Bill to undergo the necessary revisions. It must be rewritten with a focus on user rights and a strong emphasis on privacy for users. To safeguard these rights, a privacy commission would have to be created.
- In addition, while enhancing the right to information, the government would have to protect residents’ right to privacy. In addition, given their potential to render the legislation obsolete, the technical advancements of the previous two to three years also need to be addressed.
