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US Homeland Security will reportedly collect face scans of migrant kids


The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which is looking to improve its facial recognition algorithms, is reportedly planning to use the facial data of migrant children entering the country for training.

Since the information is also supposed to be used for research purposes and not for the agency's actual operations, Homeland's restrictions for biometric collection also don't apply to the program. Boyd told MIT Technology Review that the agency hasn't started collecting biometric information under the program yet, at least to the best of his knowledge, but that he can confirm that his office is funding it. However, critics and expects have raised concerns about collecting data from migrants, a lot of whom are entering the country in hopes of a better life and may feel like they have no choice but to agree to getting their facial and fingerprint information taken.

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