The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reportedly planning to use the facial data of migrant children entering the country, as mentioned in an article by MIT Technology Review. The agency aims to collect and analyze facial captures of kids younger than 14, including infants, in order to improve its facial recognition algorithms. This move is made possible by the removal of age restrictions for biometric data collection by some of Homeland Security’s sub-offices. While the program is intended for research purposes and not for operational use, concerns have been raised by critics about the ethical implications of collecting data from migrants who may feel pressured to agree. Despite the potential benefits of identifying missing children through improved facial recognition technologies, issues surrounding consent and privacy remain contentious. John Boyd, assistant director of Homeland Security’s Office of Biometric Identity Management, emphasized the agency’s commitment to privacy and non-sharing of data with commercial industries, but the controversy continues as the DHS pushes forward with its plans.
