Facial Recognition Technology is Growing – 194 Countries Surveyed
- Countries using it: 98
- Approved, but not implemented: 12
- Considering the technology: 13
- No evidence of use: 68
- Banned: 3 (countries)
From public CCTV cameras to biometric identification systems in airports, facial recognition technology is now common in a growing number of places around the world.
In its most benign form, facial recognition technology is a convenient way to unlock your smartphone. At the state level though, facial recognition is a key component of mass surveillance, and it already touches half the global population on a regular basis.
The visualizations come from SurfShark which classifies 194 countries and regions based on the extent of surveillance. The infographics and content is courtesy of Visual Capitalist.
Facial Recognition in the Americas & Caribbean
In the U.S., a 2016 study showed that already half of American adults were captured in some kind of facial recognition network. More recently, the Department of Homeland Security unveiled its “Biometric Exit†plan, which aims to use facial recognition technology on nearly all air travel passengers by 2023, to identify compliance with visa status. View the full-size version of this infographic.
South America Facial Recognition Technology
The majority of facial recognition technology in South America is aimed at cracking down on crime. In fact, it worked in Brazil to capture Interpol’s second-most wanted criminal.
Home to over 209 million, Brazil soon plans to create a biometric database of its citizens. However, some are nervous that this could also serve as a means to prevent dissent against the current political order.
Europe’s Use of Facial Recognition Technology
Belgium and Luxembourg are two of only three governments in the world to officially oppose the use of facial recognition technology.