The Impact of Facial Recognition Technology on the Fundamental Right to Privacy and Associated Recommendations

Abstract

The rapid proliferation of biometric technologies, particularly facial recognition, has extended its reach across both public and private spheres, serving the dual objectives of surveillance and security. Amid the ongoing evolution of this technology, its substantial benefits coexist with formidable challenges that necessitate equal scrutiny. This chapter aims to provide a critical analysis of the impact of facial recognition on the fundamental right to privacy. To this end, the chapter seeks to expound upon the multi-dimensional facets of facial recognition technology (FRT), evaluating both its merits and inherent limitations. Acknowledging the manifold benefits of FRT, the chapter emphasises the importance of a balanced perspective. This perspective not only recognises its potential to enhance security but also addresses its potential intrusiveness, thus considering its impact on privacy rights. In the wake of this comprehensive analysis, the chapter offers a set of recommendations intended to safeguard the fundamental right to privacy in the context of facial recognition deployment. The findings reveal that as the landscape of biometric technology continues to evolve, imperatives such as increased accuracy, enhanced transparency, and the establishment of a robust legal framework surface prominently. Furthermore, the findings underscore the necessity for a careful integration of technology and ethics, a convergence that assumes paramount importance in upholding individual privacy.