Facebook wants to scan your face
A new request is being tested with European and Canadian users
LIFESTYLE Facebook
Facebook is rolling out a new request with its European and Canadian users. The company has started asking users to allow facial recognition technology while using the app. This allows Facebook to identify users in photos and videos. The request comes as part of several opt-in features that anticipate a new data privacy law. Users in countries outside of Europe and Canada will make the same decision in a few months. However, they will have to consciously opt-out, instead of opt-in.
The facial recognition service works by giving users their own “template”, BBC News reports. The app analyses both your profile picture, as well as other photos you have been snapped in. This technology is used against scammers who attempt to use stolen profile pictures as their own. The introduction of this request comes before the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation, which will be enforced on May 25. The law revises the existing privacy laws, banning pre-ticked boxes for consent. Now, Facebook users will be required to click a button saying “accept and continue” before using facial recognition on the app. Users under-18 will not be included in the face-matching database.