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IP lawyer warns public won’t wear spy tech as virus threat fades

‎Deir an gnólacht dlí DLA Piper go bhfuil rioscaí ag baint le gnólachtaí atá ag smaoineamh ar aipeanna rianaithe teagmhálaithe agus teicneolaíocht aitheantais aghaidhe (FRT) nach mór a bhainistiú go cúramach.‎

‎Tá teicneolaíocht sainaitheanta aghaidhe luaite lena húsáid san aistriú chuig 'gnáthrud nua' tinrimh san ionad oibre ag cloí le treoirlínte sláinte poiblí COVID-19.‎

Acceptable

However, Mark Rasdale, intellectual property and technology partner at DLA Piper Ireland, warns that the public may not accept the use of FRT, post-lockdown.

“What is necessary and acceptable to users now, may not necessarily be the case as we return to normality,” he cautions.

Varied

Rasdale points to significantly varied approaches to FRT adoption and regulation worldwide.

While FRT is commonplace in China, some US states have introduced legislation that severely restricts its use. In the EU, meanwhile, the rules governing its use are complex and are not necessarily uniform from country to country.

Compliance

Rasdale believes firms should take an international perspective on facial recognition technology. He advises tapping into the experience of countries at a more advanced stage in the journey back to post-lockdown life.

“Companies should invest in technology solutions to support the transition back to work, but apply an appropriate risk management and compliance plan, as part of any technology roll-out,” Rasdale cautions.