Face recognition search engine: prohibiting the processing of your data
What are face recognition search engines?
Face recognition search engines search the internet for images, and use software to recognise and match faces of the same person. On the one hand, this makes it possible to better track one's own data trail on the internet and, by way of example, ask sites where the images were found in order to delete them. On the other hand, these search engines make it easier for others to find the images as well, because there are no adequate safeguards preventing them from doing so.
Better not to use them
For those affected by image-based sexualised violence and stalking, face recognition search engines can therefore become a major problem. An unwanted (nude) picture on a porn platform is like a needle in a haystack: It's rather unlikely that someone who knows you will find it there. Face recognition search engines are like a magnet that finds the needle. Anyone who has any picture of you can use such a search engine to find more pictures of you.
Asserting data protection rights
The largest and best-known face recognition search engine available in the EU is PimEyes. To prevent other people from using this search engine to find your pictures, you can assert your rights against PimEyes under the General Data Protection Regulation. There is a form that you can fill in to prevent your pictures from being displayed there
Important to know: Faces and other physical characteristics are known as biometric data. Biometric data is particularly sensitive, and therefore enjoys special legal protection – after all, you can't simply change your DNA, face or fingerprint. Once someone has this data, they have it forever. This is why the General Data Protection Regulation only allows sensitive data to be processed if the person concerned has given their express prior consent. However, face recognition search engines do not adhere to this, but instead process the data until an objection is received.
Beware of dubious offers
There are other face recognition search engines, some of which are very obviously aimed at stalkers or are based on scams. Never upload pictures of yourself to websites that you do not trust one hundred per cent!