The reason I go through all of the trouble to opt out of facial recognition at borders, at check points, while boarding flights, and at venues, is not because I’m under the illusion that my images, video, and audio aren’t already out there.
If I didn’t want my images, video, and audio to be out there, I would have zero social media presence. This isn’t the point of me opting out at every opportunity.
The reason I opt out every single time is to advocate for and fight for consent.
Even beyond social media, our likenesses are being captured through video doorbells, surveillance, and security cams, in the background of someone’s photo that is then uploaded.
Our images are out there. Everywhere.
Even if I do give my consent in one instance, that doesn’t mean I want my data being taken repeatedly.
When companies and entities collect our biometrics, and behavioral data, that is then often shared with other companies, entities, platforms, and so on.
Despite what companies and governments tell you and want you to believe, our data is indeed our data. It is not public data unless we consent to it.
I want to be asked for my consent, every single time, rather than me having to fight to opt out. We should always be asked for our consent first instead of the other way around.
I absolutely believe that if we allow companies and entities to seamlessly and so easily take our biometric and behavioral data, one day we will not be able to access locations, resources, and info without our data being taken mandatorily.
We won’t have a choice.
In fact, many agencies have already taken away the option to opt out. Companies sometimes do not hire people who are unwilling to give up their biometric data, and some countries do not allow you in their borders without it.
If you’re of any identities that white colonial dominant culture doesn’t want to exist, whether that is a Person of the Global Majority, disabled, trans, an immigrant, fat, poor, etc., be mindful of the risk of opting out.
If you’re part of the dominant culture and at less risk, this is a great opportunity to be a co-conspirator.
If you can and are able, opt out every chance you get. They say it is frictionless for you, but it’s actually frictionless for them to take your data.
Opt out.
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