Leisure Company Warned Against Illegally Scanning Staff Faces
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has ordered Serco Leisure, a leisure centre group, to cease using facial recognition technology to monitor its staff. The ICO found that Serco Leisure had unlawfully processed the biometric data of over 2,000 employees at 38 UK leisure facilities to monitor attendance. The ICO deemed the practice “neither fair nor proportionate” and highlighted that staff had not been offered a clear alternative to gathering their biometric data. Serco Leisure stated that it would comply with the enforcement notice but argued it had taken legal advice before installing the cameras, and staff had not complained during the five years of their use.
The ICO criticized Serco Leisure for neglecting less intrusive alternatives, such as ID cards or fobs, prioritizing business interests over employee privacy. Using biometric data, including facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, raised concerns about potential harm in the event of inaccuracies or a security breach. The ICO’s enforcement action aimed to address the power imbalance in the workplace created by the use of such technology.
The ICO also announced the publication of new guidance for organizations considering using employees’ biometric data, providing insights into compliance with data protection laws. Facial recognition technology has faced significant controversy, with privacy advocates highlighting concerns about its impact on individuals’ rights. While some argue that it is an efficient security and law enforcement tool, others emphasize the need for robust safeguards to protect privacy and prevent misuse.
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