Facial recognition technology has its uses and sometimes it can be useful. For example we’re seeing security features like Face ID on the iPhone X that relies on facial recognition to recognize the phone’s user and unlocks it. However at the same time there are many who are concerned over the privacy of such technology.In fact Microsoft themselves have expressed some concern over the use of the technology, and have recently made a proposal to Congress to regulate it. This isn’t to say that Microsoft is against facial recognition, but judging by the company’s response, it sounds like they just want a system in place that could help deter or prevent abuse of it.
According to Microsoft, “Facial recognition technology raises issues that go to the heart of fundamental human rights protections like privacy and freedom of expression. These issues heighten responsibility for tech companies that create these products. In our view, they also call for thoughtful government regulation and for the development of norms around acceptable uses.”
Microsoft also acknowledges that it might seem a little odd to call upon the government to regulate them, but they point at the automotive industry in which there is a broad appreciation of how regulation has resulted in safety features being made standard, such as seatbelts and airbags.