Technology makes the modern world go round, but innovations tend to hit the market before society has a chance to debate their implementation. As artificial intelligence grows more powerful and schools look for new tools to compete in the modern age, students can be caught in the crossfire. In a growing trend, some colleges have started using facial recognition systems in class to catch when students are cheating, texting, or zoning out during lectures. 

While this cutting-edge technology benefits professors and administrators, it raises serious concerns about students' privacy and the potential for misuse and mistakes. If you are concerned about your privacy or are being accused of misconduct because of facial recognition software, contact the Lento Law Firm today. You can reach our Education Law Team at 888-535-3686 or through our website contact form. 

Current Facial Recognition Software Implementations 

Even if you don't know when and where cameras are tracking you, facial recognition software is everywhere. Suppose you are traveling abroad, visiting a packed sports arena, or passing by a secure facility. In that case, a security system might add an image of your face to a sprawling set of new databases. 

While most schools do not currently use facial recognition in the classroom to combat academic misconduct, this type of technology is common for students who attended classes during COVID-19 lockdowns. Online proctoring services used during test-taking often include camera requirements to scan students and their surroundings. 

The Privacy Paradox 

Without immediate legislation, there is no reason to believe that schools will curtail their use of facial recognition technology going forward. However, instead of assisting teachers in catching bad behavior, this technology may create a new unintended reality where students cannot be themselves. 

Facial recognition systems can foster an atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally alters the school experience. Instead of viewing classrooms as safe spaces to learn, grow, and debate ideas, students may begin to self-censor, knowing those recordings can last forever. 

Students and their families must contend with the reality that private academic moments may no longer remain private. Even with the best possible implementation of facial recognition, mistakes can lead to sensitive biometric info leaking to the public.  

Disciplinary Dilemmas and the Issue of Accuracy 

Educators who welcome facial recognition systems hope they can crack down on bad behavior and assist teachers in managing their classes. But no software can guarantee 100% accuracy, even for relatively simple tasks. Facial recognition software that scans lecture halls is bound to have false positives and glitches that can put students in academic hot water through no fault of their own. 

If teachers begin relying on facial recognition to manage their classrooms, students will have to fight for their innocence with increasing frequency. How can students hope to prove their innocence when a robot claims with 94% accuracy that they glanced at their phone during class? 

The Lento Law Firm Is Here to Help 

Educators should not use facial recognition software in classrooms until those in charge respect the rights of students. If your school is using facial recognition software that infringes on your right to privacy or puts your academic future at risk, contact the Lento Law Firm Team today. You can reach us through our website or by phone at 888-535-3686.