Governments must check Facebook really does scrap face recognition, whistleblower says

Facebook whistleblower, Frances Haugen reacts during an interview with Reuters ahead of a meeting with German Justice Minister Christine Lambrecht, in Berlin, Germany, November 3, 2021. REUTERS/Michele Tantussi

BERLIN (Reuters) - Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen welcomed Facebook's announcement that it would scrap facial recognition, but urged close government oversight of the move to ensure the social network lived up to its pledge.

Facebook made the announcement on Tuesday, partly in response to growing scrutiny from regulators and legislators over user safety and abuses on its platforms. Activists have criticised faceprinting as a serious threat to privacy.