Markets Wired

The Federal Trade Commission will host a workshop in Washington, DC on December 8, 2011, exploring facial recognition technology and the privacy and security implications raised by its increasing use.

Facial recognition technology has been adopted in a variety of new contexts, ranging from online social networks to digital signs and mobile apps. Its increased use has raised a variety of privacy concerns. The FTC workshop will gather consumer protection organizations, academics, business and industry representatives, privacy professionals, and others to examine the use of facial recognition technology and related privacy and security concerns. The workshop is free and open to the public.

Topics may include:

• What are the current and future uses of facial recognition technology?
• How can consumers benefit from the technology?
• What are the privacy and security concerns surrounding the adoption of the technology; for example, have consumers consented to the collection and use of their images?
• Are there special considerations for the use of this technology on or by children and teens?
• What legal protections currently exist for consumers regarding the use of the technology, both in the United States and internationally?
• What consumer protections should be provided?

Written reports or studies can be submitted to facefacts@ftc.gov.

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 1,800 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s Web site provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.