Leisure firm told scanning staff faces is illegal

A leisure firm has been warned against using facial recognition technology to scan the faces of its staff without their consent. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) ruled that the practice could potentially breach privacy laws and must be stopped immediately.

The firm, which operates a chain of gyms and leisure centers, had installed facial recognition cameras at the entrances of its premises in an attempt to monitor staff attendance and timekeeping. However, the ICO found that the company failed to obtain the necessary consent from its employees and therefore violated their rights to privacy.

Speaking on the matter, the Commissioner stated, “It is important for employers to remember that using facial recognition technology on staff without their consent is illegal. Employers must respect the privacy and dignity of their employees and ensure that any surveillance measures comply with the law.”

Following the ICO’s ruling, the leisure firm has been instructed to immediately cease the use of facial recognition technology on its staff and to delete any data collected without consent. Failure to comply could result in severe penalties and legal action.