Clear laws, proof that systems are accurate and fair, and stronger protections for personal data top the UK public's wish list for improving trust in facial recognition technology, according to new research by Face Int UK.
Face Int UK commissioned Opinium to survey a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults, asking about their attitudes towards facial recognition technology (FRT). Seven in ten (69%) said they would like the public should have a say in how FRT is deployed across the UK, with 57% concerned about how images of their face are stored.
Nationally representative sample
When asked what changes could be made to improve their faith in FRT, the most popular option was ‘clear laws governing its use’, with 43% selecting this. This was followed by ‘proof that FRT is accurate and fair’ (30%), and ‘stronger protection of images and data’ (29%).
Face Int UK's study also showed that accountability and openness matter to the public. More than a quarter (28%) said tougher penalties for misuse would increase trust, while 27% said greater transparency around how facial recognition is used would make them more confident.
Facial recognition technology
Tony Kounnis, CEO of Face Int UK & Europe, said: “The public’s expectations for facial recognition technology are entirely reasonable. Our research shows that people want greater evidence and control to ensure the technology is fair, effective and that their data is properly protected, with real consequences if those standards are not met.”
“That should be a wake-up call for the industry, because it shows that trust is so closely linked to standards. To get the public to buy in to FRT, organisations both developing and deploying it need to show that the technology is governed properly, performs fairly and is backed by clear rules. The pathway to greater trust is there – now it is up to the providers, regulators and users to answer the call.”