Wim De Mulder

Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Faculteit Wiskunde en Informatica

Automatic facial recognition is currently a 'hot topic', with both supporters and opponents. With this paper (in dutch), Wim De Mulder wants to appeal to a broad public and also contribute to the social debate.

First, he briefly explains how the technology of automatic facial recognition works and provides a number of applications for which it can be used, such as tracking criminals or missing persons. It can also be applied in the commercial domain, for example by replacing boarding passes for a flight with the automatic facial recognition system, in which the software identifies the person as a paying customer.

However, as is often the case with technology, there are also risks involved, for instance a database which contains incorrect personal data. Yet, by deploying AI applications, these risks can be partially reduced.

Additionally, he addresses ethical issues, such as potential de-humanisation and the "Big Brother" aspect. A number of initiatives have been taken at European level in this respect. For example, the High-Level Expert Group on AI has developed a number of ethical guidelines for the reliable use of AI and the Council of Europe has issued ten recommendations to ensure that the use of AI is consistent with human rights.

Finally, he raises a number of legal issues and advocates a more concrete legal framework for the use of AI automatic facial recognition software. In doing so, it is important not to lose sight of the benefits of AI, despite the concerns.

The views expressed in this paper are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Knowledge Center Data & Society or CiTiP. The paper aims to contribute to the existing debate on AI.