The Bihar government’s initiative to implement facial recognition technology (FRT) in schools to prevent attendance fraud is a forward-looking solution with significant implications. Schools in the state have struggled with attendance manipulation, often fueled by the misuse of student stipends, where students or staff may mark attendance inaccurately to receive government benefits intended for regular attendees. While FRT has the potential to curb these issues, it also raises questions about data privacy, potential misuse, and the impact on students’ rights.
The primary advantage of FRT is its accuracy and ability to minimize fraud. Linking attendance records directly to students’ unique facial features makes it nearly impossible for individuals to forge attendance data. This accuracy ensures that funds allocated to students are used effectively and creates a stronger framework for accountability within schools. Moreover, the technology could streamline administrative processes and provide real-time data that can be valuable for managing school resources more efficiently.
However, facial recognition technology comes with inherent risks, especially in data privacy. Schools collecting biometric data on children must take extraordinary precautions to ensure that this sensitive data is securely stored and used only for its intended purpose. Data breaches, potential unauthorized access, and the likelihood of hacking pose significant risks. Additionally, since FRT in schools is a relatively new approach, government policies must outline strict data handling practices, with clear limitations on who can access this information and how it may be used.
Using FRT in educational settings can also have an unintended psychological impact on students. Tracking students in this way may lead to feelings of constant surveillance, which can affect their sense of autonomy and trust in their learning environment. Ethical considerations around the use of FRT with minors emphasize the need for transparency with students and parents, ensuring they are informed and consenting participants in the system. Educators, too, must strike a balance between using technology for management and respecting the rights and comfort of students.
To maximize the benefits of facial recognition in schools, the Bihar government needs a careful, transparent approach. Setting up robust privacy safeguards, ensuring data security, and actively involving communities in the dialogue about FRT use are critical steps. The government must maintain an open channel with parents, educators, and privacy experts to mitigate concerns and develop a well-rounded policy framework that could serve as a model for other states.