• Admin Animix
• December 20, 2022
• 3 Comments

Modern internet, audio, and visual technology is developing fast – and entering almost all spheres of our lives. Today, we have face recognition cameras in public places, but software such as face recognition time clock is often used in companies as well. Although they have shown many of their benefits so far – for some people this idea is still very controversial. Some even characterize it as illegal. So where is the truth, and are facial recognition time clocks legal?

Face Recognition Technology Is “Recognized” As A Strong Ally Against Time Theft

According to some studies, time theft costs American employers hundreds of billions of dollars. This figure is estimated based on lost productivity. Even workers have admitted in some anonymous surveys that stealing time has become an almost common pattern of behavior at work. That is certainly not good for companies or the entire economy. Therefore, it is not surprising that employers have turned to modern technologies to put an end to such behavior – and prevent potential losses. Many company owners have switched to modern software such as face recognition time clock, to implement time management more efficiently. However, with the beginning of the use of this technology for commercial purposes, many people rebelled, considering that it is not quite legal. So, where is the truth?

Legal or Not?

Of course, this question depends on where you live and work. Where is your company located? Are you based somewhere in the US or Europe? The laws are implacable but can also vary depending on the countries where they are in use. They can even differ between countries in the same geographical area. For example, in the USA, states such as Texas, Illinois, and Washington have regulations on the use of employee biometric data. However, there are differences here as well. While in Texas and Illinois, you can use face recognition time clock software having the consent of the employee – in Washington, the law focuses more on fingerprints. However, one thing is common to all. This technology should not be used even in places where it is allowed unless you do not have the consent of the employee.

What is the Situation in Europe?

In Europe, opinions are still divided. The European Commission has revealed that it is considering introducing a ban on facial recognition technology in public places – which would last up to five years. The reason for the possible ban is the need for additional time to develop mechanisms to prevent the abuse of that technology. Also, it was suggested to the countries of the European Union to form competent authorities that would monitor and control all institutions and companies that use this technology – to prevent any possible abuses.

The Bottom Line

Like all the novelties we have accepted and adopted until today – facial recognition technology has its advantages and disadvantages. It is up to us to learn to use and not misuse all the advantages that this technology provided to us. Of course, we must follow the legal frame.