Drop facial recognition system: Parents write to CM

A coalition of educationists, teachers' unions, parents' groups and civil society organisations has urged the state government to drop its plan to introduce facial recognition systems (FRS) in schools, warning that it could expose children to severe risks of data misuse, exploitation and abuse.

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @Bengaluru

The Department of School Education and Literacy has announced that, starting 2025-26, government and aided schools must implement a mobile-based AI-powered facial recognition attendance system linked to the Students Achievement Tracking System (SATS). Officials claim the move will help track absenteeism and ensure benefits under schemes like midday meals and eggs reach the right students. But signatories to the joint statement said such technologies are dangerous and unnecessary in school settings. They pointed out that facial data of children, if leaked or stolen, could be misused fo