03-July-2024-Editorial

REGULATING FACIAL RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY (FRT) IN INDIA 

Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) has become a subject of significant concern globally due to its potential implications for privacy, security, and ethical considerations. In India, the absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework for FRT has prompted calls for robust policies to govern its use effectively. 

Status of Regulation in India: 

Current Scenario: 

• India lacks a dedicated legal framework specifically regulating FRT. 

• Existing laws do not adequately address the unique challenges posed by FRT, such as biometric data protection and algorithmic transparency. 

Need for Regulating FRT: 

Multifaceted Challenges: 

• FRT can capture and process biometric data remotely, raising concerns about privacy violations and algorithmic biases. 

• Regulatory gaps leave room for misuse and inadequate protection of individual rights. 

1. Ensuring Responsible Development: 

• A comprehensive governance framework is essential to ensure responsible development and deployment of FRT. 

• This includes mitigating risks associated with privacy infringement and misuse of surveillance powers. 

International Thought Leadership: 

• Proactive regulation positions India as a global leader in FRT governance, influencing international norms and policies. 

• It fosters public trust and enhances the technology’s acceptance across various sectors. 

Key Proposals for FRT Regulation: 

Standardising Liability: 

• Introducing a legal framework to define liability and compensate for damages caused by FRT malfunctions or misuse. 

• This incentivises developers to prioritize safety and ethical considerations. 

Ethical Oversight: 

• Establishing an independent ethical committee with diverse expertise to oversee FRT implementations. 

• The committee would ensure transparency, accountability, and mitigate algorithmic biases. 

Transparency in Deployment: 

• Mandating clear guidelines for deploying FRT systems, including public disclosure of their use in specific areas. 

• Ensuring consent mechanisms where necessary to protect individual privacy rights. 

Legal Compliance: 

• Aligning FRT systems with constitutional principles established by the Supreme Court in cases like Justice K. S. Puttaswamy (Retd) vs Union of India. 

• Emphasising legality, reasonability, and proportionality in deploying FRT for security and other purposes. 

What is Facial Recognition Technology (FRT)? 

Definition and Working: 

• FRT uses algorithms to create digital maps of facial features from photographs or videos. 

• These maps are then compared with databases to identify or verify individuals. 

Applications: 

• Used for authentication purposes such as unlocking smartphones and identity verification in law enforcement. 

Concerns Regarding FRT Technology: 

Inaccuracy and Misuse: 

• FRT systems may misidentify individuals, especially across different racial and gender demographics. 

• This can lead to unjust exclusion or targeting of certain groups. 

Privacy Concerns: 

• Widespread use of FRT for surveillance challenges data privacy and protection laws. 

• Lack of safeguards can lead to unauthorized data collection and misuse. 

Bias Issues: 

• Studies show biases in FRT accuracy, impacting fair treatment and reinforcing societal prejudices. 

• These biases can affect employment opportunities, public safety, and civil liberties. 

FRT Regulation in Other Countries: 

European Union (EU): 

• GDPR and AI Act categorize FRT as high-risk technology, subjecting it to stringent compliance requirements. 

• Focus on protecting data privacy and ensuring ethical AI deployment. 

UK, US, Canada, Australia: 

• Regulation primarily governed by data protection laws and privacy regulations. 

• Emphasis on transparency, accountability, and addressing biases in FRT systems. 

Way Forward: 

Robust Legal Framework: 

• Introduce dedicated laws governing FRT deployment by both public and private sectors. 

• Define lawful purposes, establish accountability mechanisms, and ensure proportionate use. 

Ethical Oversight and Governance: 

• Create independent oversight bodies to evaluate ethical implications of FRT. 

• Develop codes of conduct to guide fair and non-discriminatory use. 

Transparency and Data Protection: 

• Mandate public disclosure of FRT deployments and align governance with upcoming data protection laws. 

• Strengthen safeguards for biometric data collection, storage, and usage. 

Addressing Bias: 

• Establish guidelines to minimize biases in FRT algorithms, particularly in critical applications. 

• Promote research and development towards more inclusive and accurate technologies. 

Global Leadership: 

• Participate actively in international forums to shape global standards for responsible AI and FRT governance. 
• Leverage India’s technological capabilities to advocate ethical AI practices globally.