Facebook’s facial recognition raising privacy concerns

SALT LAKE CITY – Facebook’s major overhaul of its privacy settings after the data scandal has gotten a lot of attention.  But, a quieter change in how it uses facial recognition is also raising eyebrows.

For years, the social network has used facial recognition to suggest who to tag in our photos.  But, here’s what is new, Facebook lets you know whenever someone you’re connected to, posts photos or video with you in it.  Even, if you weren’t tagged.

The facial recognition also aims to fight fake profiles and catfishing by telling you whenever anyone – friend or not – uses your pic for their profile.  But for this to work, an impression of your face is created based on your profile photos.

If Facebook’s use and storage of your biometric data puts you at unease – especially in this day of data breach after data breach – opting out is straightforward.

In the app, click on the three line menu icon and then click “Account Settings.”
Tap Face Recognition Settings, and then simply tap “No.”  Just know, this also shuts off the popular suggested tags feature.  When it comes to Facebook’s facial recognition, it’s all or nothing.