The Deployment of Automated Facial Recognition (AFR) and Privacy Implications under SDG 16

Automated Facial Recognition (AFR) has a wide range of benefits as well as legal implications. It risks undermining the rule of law and perpetuating systemic injustice unless countervailing measures are taken. The way facial images are collected and processed can have, for instance, a negative impact on privacy. It is essential to ensure the responsible use of AFR for the protection of the fundamental right. However, neither national nor international laws are adequate to address the global challenge. This chapter will look at laws to safeguard AFR-related privacy concerns across jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom (UK), China, United States (US), and the European Union (EU). With principles of necessity, and proportionality examined, it will focus on building effective and accountable institutions under the SDG 16. The chapter will further explore how to establish an AFR infrastructure that is characterised by legal commitments, and addressing the privacy concerns while harnessing the technology.