Anyone who wants to use it cannot use it. Chinese Economic Review: This "face" technology | facial recognition | Comment
Core point: Mr. Zifang, a commentator on China Economic Net, believes that although there are some relevant policies and regulations for facial recognition technology, it is still necessary and timely to introduce specialized application security management regulations and delineate more accurate channels for facial recognition technology.
As the saying goes, a tree needs its skin, and a person needs their face. Our "face" cannot be brushed at will, let alone used by anyone who wants to.
Listening to these words is really soothing, but the actual situation is truly breathtaking. When shopping, some merchants quietly conduct data statistics and analysis on facial information in order to achieve precise marketing; Entering the community, some properties use facial recognition as the only verification method; When using apps, some service providers even force the entry of face information as a precondition for providing services... When "Internet plus" redefines lifestyle, can users say "no" in addition to choosing to constantly transfer privacy and bow before the right to use?
Of course you can. To standardize the application of facial recognition technology, the National Cyberspace Administration recently solicited opinions on the "Regulations on the Security Management of Facial Recognition Technology Applications". The draft for soliciting opinions proposes that facial recognition technology can only be used to process facial information when it has a specific purpose and sufficient necessity, and strict protective measures are taken.
Throughout the draft for soliciting opinions, many hot topics of concern have been responded to. For example, the so-called "hard to buy, I am willing" and the realization of "reassuring facial recognition" is to ensure that people are willing to use facial recognition technology and know that their faces are being recognized. Therefore, the draft for soliciting opinions requires that the use of facial recognition technology to process facial information should obtain individual consent or written consent in accordance with the law. Individuals who voluntarily choose to use facial recognition technology to verify their identity should ensure that they are fully informed and actively participate. It can be said that only by taking the public's right to know and the right to choose as a prerequisite for privacy protection, can large-scale infringement be avoided.
Infringement prevention is very important, to avoid turning pale when talking about facial recognition, and to prevent the misuse of facial recognition technology is also essential. For example, the draft for soliciting opinions suggests that if there are other non biometric identification technology solutions that achieve the same purpose or meet the same business requirements, priority should be given to choosing non biometric identification technology solutions. This once again indicates that facial recognition technology is not a "basket" and cannot be packed with everything. Technological development must adhere to the principle of putting people first. Based on this, the draft for soliciting opinions has also made corresponding provisions on information storage. Except for statutory conditions or obtaining individual consent, users of facial recognition technology are not allowed to save original facial images, images, and videos, except for facial information that has been anonymized.
It should be noted that although there are some relevant policies and regulations for facial recognition technology, it is still necessary and timely to introduce specialized application security management regulations and delineate more accurate routes for facial recognition technology. Since it is a draft for soliciting opinions, there must still be some imperfections. The channels and methods for providing feedback have been announced in relevant news reports, allowing both industry enterprises and every citizen to express their insightful opinions in accordance with regulations.
Of course, society is mobile, technology is constantly new, and the law ultimately lags behind, making it impossible to dominate the world. Beyond the law, there is morality, and beyond morality, there is human heart. Some high-tech companies tend to favor the former between market temptation and technological ethics, always attempting to quickly push new technologies into application. But technology itself is neutral, and where and how it is used completely depends on people. The wave of technological progress cannot be stopped, "rational arrogance" is inevitable, and the development of digitalization is boundless. Perhaps what we are most worried about is not machines thinking like humans, but humans thinking like machines.
The next generation is always smarter than us and will always find better ways. As for the matter of taking the face seriously, it has just begun.
