UK Has Launched First Ethical Automated Facial Recognition Framework

Since the conceptualization of artificial intelligence, there always has been a debate about it being a boon or a bane. These opposing opinions only became louder, thanks to movies and show that show artificial intelligence in a bad light. But is it all false? Just like how a coin has two sides, the use of artificial intelligence depends on the intent. To set things straight, the British Security Industry Association's video surveillance section put out a guide that strictly talks about the ethical and legal use of Automated Facial Recognition.

Automated Facial Recognition In A Gist

Automated Facial Recognition system is a mechanical way to identify someone by their unique facial characteristics. This system captures and analyses the facial patterns of several people. Face ID in iPhones is one example. Facial recognition is being used by law enforcement and governments to ensure the safety of their people. Many actions like looking for suspects and missing people are dependent on facial recognition.

What Does BSIAs Guide Talk About?

This is a unique guide that follows the recommendations of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on how to use artificial intelligence responsibly. It encompasses useful terms, ethical uses, amongst many other guidelines. But most importantly, this guide focuses on AI applications used for identifying a person.

In the words of Dave Wilkinson, Director of Technical Services at BSIA, "This collaboration of industry experts has created a guide of advice and recommendations on the ethical and legal use of AFR that will appeal to anyone in or out of the physical security industry. It aims to ensure that no one is harmed or discriminated against in a public or private environment."  This is being done to rectify the privacy breaches caused by the UK's facial recognition technology.

To explain what Dave Wilkinson said in simpler words, this guide by BSIA has the necessary recommendations one should keep in mind to lawfully and ethically use Automated Facial Recognition. This framework will be comprehensible by industry experts and the general public as it is simplified while being in sync with the key messaging given by UK Governments Surveillance Camera Commissioner.

It's no secret that the use of artificial intelligence is growing at a rapid rate and has become a part of our everyday lives. This calls for ethical and legal codes to ensure the safety of everyone who is involved in this. If not followed, this useful technology could become a bane with people misusing its applications. For a country that is moving towards artificial intelligence dependency, it is important to make sure there are no wrong assumptions about this technology and trust is maintained.

Dave Wilkinson also says "We want to make sure the public knows that these ethical and legal guidelines apply to businesses. Compliance with the law is paramount when using this technology. This guide provides the foundation for organizations to demonstrate their commitment to upholding the ethical realities, consequences, and implications of using artificial intelligence or Automated Facial Recognition solutions."

The fact that business and organizations who want to add a facial recognition solution to their security systems must adhere to this guide given by BSIA which accurately points out how AFR works cannot be stressed enough.