Events’ Use of Facial Recognition Raises Data Security Concerns

Facial recognition has gone from being a science fiction-like fantasy to a concrete reality. In the past two years, the technology has permeated a variety of industries — but especially travel. It helps people quickly check in at events, airports, and hotels, cutting down on the long lines that often go along with taking a trip. The technology has a special significance for events, and more planners are starting to use it. Beyond checking people in, it can actually personalize the experience for them. Monitors with facial recognition software, when placed throughout the convention center, will pick up on where individual attendees are, identify them, and then provide them with personalized messages. This is all undoubtedly cool, but it doesn’t do much to quell fears over data privacy. As more planners use the service, concerns are starting to rise — and with good reason. The technology isn’t perfect, and any stored data is vulnerable to hackers. Facial reco