Remote biometric identification systems and ethical challenges: The case of facial recognition

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the field of computer science progressing rapidly, simulating human behavior and thinking and affecting already the most of economic and social activities. The use of AI has undoubtedly positive outcomes but also implies high-risks. One of the most common AI applications is the case of facial recognition, a remote biometric identification system that raises the conversation around the intrusion into individuals’ privacy. In an attempt to balance ethical values and legal principles concerning, inter alia, automated recognition, European Commission puts forward a regulatory framework with specific objectives. The paper aims to highlight the precautionary principle that EU enforces in the case of facial recognition practice, establishing security mechanisms with the aim of mining, re-using and sharing data that are required for the buildout of a reliable Artificial Intelligence.