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Brazil’s National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) has released the second volume of its Technological Radar series, focusing on biometrics and facial recognition. This publication, available in Portuguese, explores the application of biometric technologies and face matching across various sectors, including education and public security, while evaluating the associated privacy risks.
The report, prepared by the Authority’s General Coordination of Technology and Research (CGTP), highlights the sensitivity of biometric data and the significant harm that can result from incorrect identification through facial recognition. It raises concerns about potential discrimination and bias inherent in facial biometric systems.
AI Enhances Facial Recognition Accuracy, But Risks Persist
The report underscores that advancements in AI have improved the accuracy of facial recognition technologies. However, it cautions that accuracy alone does not address all the challenges these technologies pose to privacy and data protection, whether utilized by public or private sectors.
“Theoretically, the results suggested by the use of facial recognition are optimistic,” the report notes. “But their real-world applications present significant counterweights, especially considering that biometric data are sensitive personal data that impact large segments of the population, including vulnerable groups.”
The ANPD plans to further investigate these issues in its Regulatory Agenda for the 2023–2024 biennium, as biometrics and facial recognition technologies continue to be used for identity verification, access control, and security purposes.
The Technological Radar series aims to shed light on emerging technologies with significant data privacy implications. It strives to “add relevant information to the debate on data protection in the country, with didactic texts accessible to the general public.” The first edition of the series focused on smart cities.
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