Facebook's Facial Recognition Software Kicks Up
Software tools that enhance productivity or fun
are always in demand. Examples of productivity tools are Dreamweaver, online
fax services, Apple’s forthcoming fingerprint sensor, Adobe suite on cloud,
etc., and examples of fun apps are, hairstyling software, Facebook
phototagging, crossword generators, and so on. The strange thing is that users
mostly complain about the productive tools and are least bothered about fun
tools, some of which can actually compromise their privacy. The Facebook
Photo-tagging feature, which is being viewed as a privacy buster, is now being
examined by the FTC [1]. It seems that photo tagging, helped by Facebook’s
privacy policy, has the potential to violate the user’s personal data.
Why Is Facial
Recognition Scary?
Modern cameras embed
latitude and longitude data on each photo and photo tagging helps identify a person. When these
features are combined, it's easy to see that any tech-savvy stalker or a
predator who knows a techie can easily get to know a person, his friends and
relations, along with his location.
Facebook is also making
changes to its privacy policies, and one of the changes reads:
“If you are under the
age of eighteen (18), or under any other applicable age of majority, you
represent that at least one of your parents or legal guardians has also agreed
to the terms of this section (and the use of your name, profile picture,
content, and information) on your behalf.”
The terms that follow
allow Facebook to use users’ name, profile picture and content in its
marketing.
Thousands of teens lie
about their age while signing up, without realizing the potential danger it can
cause. This is the reason why the FTC has gotten into the act. Many social and
privacy groups are of the opinion that Facebook is creating software tools that
no one needs, but users don’t seem to care. Facebook is like an addiction for
many users, who don’t seem to be concerned about their privacy.
Here’s one more danger
that people don’t realize. Some high-end celebrity stores use facial
recognition technology to identify celeb shoppers. If face recognition
technology gets cheaper, every retail store will start using it. If Facebook
allows them to tap into their picture database (on payment of a fee), then any
Facebook user’s details can be captured by such stores the minute they walk in.
Forcing the visitor to recieve more unwanted marketing messages.
How Can I Ensure That
People Don’t See Tag Suggestions?
Here’s what you can do
to help protect your privacy:
1.
Go to the top-right of the Facebook screen and locate the gear
icon.
2.
Choose “Privacy Settings” from the drop down.
3.
Now view the navigation on the left and select “Timeline and
Tagging.”
4.
Go to “Who Sees Tag Suggestions When Photos That Look Like You Are
Uploaded.”
5.
Choose Edit (on the right).
6.
You will see two selection options – “Friends” and “No One.”
7.
Select “No One.”
That’s how you turn off
the photo tagging feature. Just to be on the safe side, keep reviewing any
change in Facebook’s privacy policy. Good luck and stay safe!
Author Bio:
Raised in Farmers
Branch, TX, Brian A. Powell is a freelance mobile app developer that uses
paperless office services like Maxemail for
expeidence, convenience and the reduced need for natural resources like paper
and plastic.
