Should Facial Recognition Standards Vary Across Public Spaces? Biometrics Institute to host critical On the Pulse Conversation, offering complimentary registration to regulators and enforcers

The Biometrics Institute, the independent and impartial international membership organisation for biometrics users, is set to host a pivotal On the Pulse (OTP) Conversation, addressing the complex and rapidly evolving landscape of facial recognition (FR) technology in public spaces. Titled Facial Recognition in Retail, Clubs, Stadiums, and Policing – Should the Same Standards Apply?, this online event will closely examine the critical distinctions between private and public sector FR applications, offering crucial insights for regulators, enforcers, and the wider public.

With increasing deployments of FR in retail environments, entertainment venues, and by law enforcement, the need for clear, consistent, and responsible guidelines has never been more timely. The OTP will examine the varying risks associated with different use cases, from retrospective criminal investigations to live facial recognition (LFR), and explore the public’s growing concerns surrounding privacy and data security.

Experts will lead the conversation, and viewpoints will address:

• Differentiating between private sector FR use (retail, clubs, stadiums) and public sector (policing, law enforcement), and the need for a consistent approach to FR technology, driven by well-constructed policy and process
• Policy defining appropriate and proportionate use cases, including staff and customer safety in retail settings, and specific applications like detecting shoplifters and protecting problem gamblers
• The application of robust quality management procedures (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) to FR in law enforcement, particularly for retrospective investigations, with standards comparable to those used for DNA analysis
• Process development and informed consent in practice, including adequate signage in public spaces
• Image and data management, including data storage duration, deletion policies, and access control, and match management, including human verification (human-in-the-loop), training requirements, and associated risks
• Public concerns surrounding LFR including its perception as a continuous police line-up and the associated anxieties about AI and privacy
• Technology and performance, including the use of centralised versus localised image databases for FR and governance structures, including data quality and testing procedures
• Defining best practices for consumer engagement and transparency

How regulators and enforcers can attend

Recognising the vital role regulators and enforcers play in shaping ethical biometrics frameworks, the Biometrics Institute facilitates informed dialogue. This On the Pulse Conversation offers direct engagement with experts, insights into latest developments, and a chance to influence future policies. We understand the challenges of balancing innovation, public safety, and privacy. Your participation is invaluable for responsible and transparent facial recognition deployment, fostering public trust and safeguarding rights. To register, regulators and enforcers should email penny@biometricsinstitute.org on, or before Friday, 28 March 2025.

It is recommended that participants read the Biometrics Institute’s Members’ Viewpoints: The Use of Facial Recognition in Policing, paper, which provides crucial context for the discussion.

ENDS

About the Biometrics Institute 

The Biometrics Institute is the independent and impartial international membership organisation for biometric users and other interested parties. It was established in 2001 to promote the responsible, ethical and effective use of biometrics and has offices in London and Sydney. 

The member register which represents a global and diverse multi-stakeholder community now lists over 200 membership organisations from 41 countries. It includes banks, airlines, government agencies, biometric experts, privacy experts, suppliers, academics and 18 Observers representing United Nations agencies, IGOs and European Union institution. 

The Biometrics Institute connects the global biometrics community. It shares knowledge with its members and key stakeholders and most importantly, develops good practices and thought leadership for the responsible, ethical and effective use of biometrics. 

For more information, please email Marco Lombardi.