The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is exploring the use of facial recognition technology on migrant children at the Mexico border, according to a report by MIT Technology Review. The plan aims to improve facial recognition technology, but privacy experts and migrant advocates have expressed concerns about the potential consequences.
The DHS already uses facial recognition with adults and teens, but is now considering ways to utilize the technology with children under 14. John Boyd, assistant director of the DHS’s Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM), presented a plan during a presentation on emerging technology and theoretical applications. While the data collection for minors has not yet begun, the OBIM team is funding the research.
Privacy experts and migrant advocates have raised concerns about the potential errors in facial recognition technology, which could lead to incorrect identifications and impact individuals’ lives. Seth Hall from San Diego Privacy stated that the technology can produce faulty results, particularly at the border where decisions are made based on these scans. Pedro Rios, a pro-migration advocate, expressed concern about the power dynamics involved in scanning children’s faces without their consent.
The DHS has stated that it ensures all technologies operate legally and are committed to protecting everyone’s privacy and civil rights. However, the agency also said it does not collect facial recognition data from minors under 14 and has no plans to do so for either operational or research purposes. Despite this, experts like Hall believe that the DHS needs to prove its commitment to transparency and accountability.
The use of facial recognition technology on migrant children raises concerns about the potential impact on vulnerable populations and the lack of consent. The issue is further complicated by the technical problems with the mobile app used for migrants to submit selfies before entering the US. As the debate continues, it is essential to prioritize the privacy and rights of all individuals involved.
Source: NBC San Diego
