Facial recognition technology in schools
“We’ve taken action against this school to show introducing measures such as facial recognition technology should not be taken lightly, particularly when it involves children. We don’t want this to deter other schools from embracing new technologies. But this must be done correctly with data protection at the forefront, championing trust, protecting children’s privacy and safeguarding their rights.”
Lynne Currie, Head of Privacy Innovation at the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Facial recognition technology and children. Do you think that’s a match? They are two concepts you wouldn’t immediately put together. However, in 2021 North Ayrshire Council used facial recognition technology to manage ‘cashless catering’ in nine of its school canteens affecting 2,569 pupils.
Facial recognition software analyses your facial features to produce a biometric template. This is then compared against a separate image to determine whether it matches. The use of FRT would mean capturing biometric data – in this case, children’s biometric data. Surely there are simpler ways of paying for your school dinner?
Chelmer Valley High School were also reprimanded by the Information Commissioner’s Office this year for breaking the law when introducing the technology to take cashless payments from students. The school had not properly obtained permission to process the students’ biometric information – once again highlighting the importance of genuine consent.