[Kyodo News, June 20]NEC has formulated guidelines for the proper use of its facial recognition technology, which takes into account human rights, in order to promote the use of its advantageous facial recognition technology. Facial recognition technology is used in office entrance management, airport check-in procedures, etc. On the other hand, some people are concerned about how to handle the acquired data. NEC has summarized 10 items in the guidelines, hoping to reassure users.

NEC has advanced facial recognition technology and provides biometric services in about 70 countries around the world. Starting in 2022, it will jointly study issues related to the use of technology with Osaka University, and this time it has formulated guidelines for the first time. It has been used since April.

The guidelines summarize 10 items, including “whether the personal data obtained is the minimum necessary” and “whether it can be confirmed that the service is used with the user’s consent.” NEC and companies using facial recognition also listed matters that should be considered from the user’s perspective.

In addition, some people wear veils for religious reasons or do not want their faces to be photographed, so the guidelines also include “whether the mechanism can fairly treat people who are unable or unwilling to use facial recognition technology.”

In May, the European Union (EU) introduced the world’s first comprehensive regulatory bill on artificial intelligence (AI), including biometrics, and the trend of taking human rights into consideration is accelerating. The head of NEC said, “We will improve the mechanism to eliminate users’ concerns.” (End)