Facebook considers incorporating user avatar into facial recognition database

Sina Science and technology news Beijing time of August 30, according to Reuters, Facebook in Thursday on its data use policy changes, consider the user avatar data into the facial recognition database, to enhance the site's "Circle suggestions" function. At present, after the user uploads new photos in Facbook, the website can offer the circle person suggestion through the contrast of old and new photos. The user who is circled can choose whether to be circled in the corresponding photograph. The privacy terms of technology companies such as Facebook and Google have been a big concern since the US government's surveillance program was exposed. The companies denied allowing the U.S. government access to the company's servers for access to information, and said they would only provide the appropriate data as required by law. Erin Egan, Facebook's chief privacy officer, said that by incorporating user-exposed avatar data into the facial recognition database, it was possible to upgrade the circle's functionality and to help users identify their own photos more easily, allowing them to better control personal information. Egan stressed that if users do not like Facebook's facial recognition technology, they can choose to turn off all the circle's recommended features. When this feature is turned off, the user's exposed personal avatar will not be included in the facial recognition database. Facial recognition has always been a sensitive topic, with some privacy advocates and government officials worried about whether the technology would violate privacy. Facebook launched a circle of suggestions in 2011, but the feature is controversial in Europe and is not available to European users. Google +, a social network, has also applied similar techniques, but requires permission from the user. In addition, Google banned Google Glasses application developers using facial recognition technology. Egan says Facebook's facial recognition technology is currently used only for circle-people functions. "We will never use facial recognition technology for other functions," Egan said. If we want to apply the technology to other areas, we will make a clear statement to the user, and the relevant monitoring. "In addition to the privacy policy, Facebook has also adjusted its statement of responsibility (Statement of Rights and responsibilities) to require advertisers to use the personal information of Facebook users under the age of 18, shall be subject to the permission of the parent or legal guardian first. (Chen)