SSN Poll: Facial recognition gains acceptance despite privacy concerns

YARMOUTH, Maine – Love it or hate it, facial recognition technology is here to stay, say respondents to a recent Security Systems News Poll.

Slightly more than half (55%) of poll respondents say the technology has become more widely accepted – a trend that will continue, they say.

“Facial recognition still needs refinement, but it has a place in society,” wrote one respondent.

The technology, which has been around for decades, has become controversial in recent years due to concerns over privacy and its potential impact on civil liberties. In one high-profile case, a lawyer was denied entry to Radio City Music Hall because her law firm was involved in litigation against its owner, Madison Square Garden.

Slightly more than three-quarters of poll respondents (78%) say concerns about privacy will lead to increased regulation of it. Another 67% say that businesses and public venues should be required to disclose the use of the technology.

“(Facial recognition) can bring some amazing secure outcomes humans cannot…but privacy and ethics must (be) maintained as strict as they are now,” wrote Sean Borg, a facial recognition specialist with ABT Security. “The sensitive rights of all humans must always be protected. This is easily achieved if the correct processes are deployed and the right equipment is used.”

That’s particularly important with the advancements in facial biometrics, they say.

“I believe it will be more regulated and should be,” wrote Jon Polly, chief solutions officer, ProTecht Solutions Partners. “Biometrics is the last line of defense; someone steals that, there is no replacement.”

The security industry must be part of the solution, say poll respondents.

“We are the credential related to access control and security,” wrote one respondent. “The evolution of how we are confirmed is the quest for the industry.”

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