An office within the US government that oversees login systems is refusing to use facial recognition technology to verify people’s identities. The decision by Login.gov not to comply with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines related to facial recognition, which aim to prevent identity fraud, was made after concerns about discrimination and privacy were raised about a separate scheme last year. Instead, Login.gov verifies identity through other methods. The move comes amid increasing debate about the use of biometric data in such verification systems, with advocates suggesting that the rollout of the technology could disadvantage vulnerable or marginalised groups.
US agency’s face recognition rejection resulted in major consequences.
