While sighted users may take these details for granted, this technology allows me to understand both context and content, the nuances of smiling faces and the brilliance of colorful sunsets, even though I cannot actually view them. Without facial recognition technology, I would never know that my daughter posted candid pictures from her wedding, or that my niece proudly displayed photos of her sons first steps. I can now enjoy these details that make up the fabric of our lives and participate in a meaningful way.
Unfortunately, Facebook is the only major social media platform to embrace facial recognition for accessibility purposes. Other social media sites use automatic alt text technology. Instagram is one of many sites that even let users write and post their own alt text descriptions. But its not enough: Every site on the internet should use facial recognition. This would allow blind and low-vision users full entry to everything that the web has to offer.
If Facebook can do it, so can other sites especially Instagram, which is owned by Facebook. The internet relies on photographs and images for everything from social interaction to commerce. The internet must be fully accessible to everyone.
That said, I do not approve of uncontrolled deployment of facial recognition technology. I understand and support communities pushing to limit the use of facial recognition by government, including immigration and law enforcement agencies.
Companies should be required to allow people to opt out of having their face used in facial recognition. There should be strict protocols for building facial recognition databanks that prevent companies from inappropriate, unlawful or intrusive purposes. A network of international laws should ensure that the data is not being sold or used improperly.
This kind of regulation protects our privacy and safety in other industries, like automobiles, airplane travel, food and medicine. Expanding the use of facial recognition online while also developing sensible rules will take effort, but it will be worth it. I want to experience the internet just like everyone else and so do millions of other people with blindness and low vision. Working within a framework that respects both the promise of this technology and the importance of privacy rights will create an internet that is inclusive, productive and good for us all.
Janni Lehrer-Stein is a disability rights advocate and retired attorney. She served on the National Council on Disability under President Barack Obama and is currently a vice chair of the Democratic National Committees disability council.
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What Its Like to Use Facebook When Youre Blind - The New York Times
