Reflections on the use of facial recognition technology during COVID-19

• Main Author: CHAN, Gary Kok Yew
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2020
• Subjects: Facial recognition; technology; COVID-19; health; privacy; bias; pandemic; Law and Society; Public Health; Science and Technology Law
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/sol_research/3235; https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/context/sol_research/article/5194/viewcontent/Reflections_on_the_use_of_facial_recognition.pdf
• Institution: Singapore Management University

During the COVID-10 pandemic, infected persons have been quarantined in segregated facilities. Individuals who have been in contact with the infected persons may be subject to self-isolation measures or stay-home notices. Technological tools such as proximity and contact tracing apps are used to identify those who have been in close contact with infected persons. The contact tracing QR code used in Singapore's SafeEntry requires the submission of personal information (including names and identification numbers) prior to entry into certain public places such as malls, factories and restaurants. Robots, in addition to designated human officers, have been delpoyed to maintain social distancing in public places. Beyong these measures and technologies, facial recognition teachnology (FRT) is being used for public health survellience during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the workplace, FRT has been utilised to detect employees with thermal fever and to ensure that they wear masks. The use of FRT is ny no means widespread or uniform across the globe. There are, understandably, serious concerns with privacy and bias.