The Pros & Cons Of Facial Recognition At Sporting Events

In the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity and technology, facial recognition has emerged as a game-changer—especially in public spaces like stadiums. But as we dive deeper into this technology, the question arises: Are we ready to accept the trade-offs between convenience and privacy?

In a recent Wired article by Caroline Haskins , the use of facial recognition in stadiums was explored, highlighting the tension between improving fan experience and the potential for privacy invasion. The technology promises to get fans through the gates faster, allowing them to spend more time enjoying the game and less time waiting in line. From the stadium's perspective, this means more revenue as fans have more time to purchase food, drinks, and memorabilia. However, this convenience comes with a significant caveat—how this data could be used or misused by law enforcement and other entities.

As co-host, Shannon Tynes pointed out, "95% of people just want to get in faster, but it's a slippery slope when you consider the potential for misuse of this data." This sentiment is echoed in concerns over how easily this information could be accessed by law enforcement, leading to a possible erosion of privacy rights.

On the other hand, facial recognition can enhance security. As, co-host Daniel Acevedo mentioned, "If there's someone there who may have ill intentions... I want them caught." This technology could be instrumental in identifying and apprehending individuals who pose a threat, thus preventing potential tragedies.

However, as Shannon rightly noted, facial recognition technology still has significant shortcomings , particularly in accurately identifying people of color. This raises concerns about potential misidentifications and the broader implications of deploying a technology that isn’t fully reliable.

The debate ultimately boils down to a balance between security and privacy. As, host Ryan Williams Sr. emphasized, "You can't put the genie back in the bottle on this one." Our faces are already captured dozens of times a day through various means—doorbell cameras, ATMs, and even social media posts. Opting in or out of these systems is a personal choice, but the reality is that we are moving towards a future where facial recognition becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives.

As we navigate this technological evolution, it’s crucial to remain vigilant about how our data is used and to advocate for transparency and accountability in these systems. The convenience of quicker access to events must not come at the cost of our fundamental privacy rights.

Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more episodes of The Other Side of the Firewall podcast on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Fridays, as well as, the Ask A CISSP podcast every Thursday. Please like, share, and, subscribe.

Stay safe, stay secure!

Ryan is a retired Air Force veteran who brings over 20 years of experience in network infrastructure, project management, and cybersecurity consulting to his current roles at RAM Cyber Consulting & Assessments, LLC and BuddoBot . Buddobot’s mission is to support national security by transforming, empowering, and educating organizations to shift from reactive, diluted, automated, and high-cost IT and security practices to proactive, effective solutions that fortify their security.

Shannon, also a retired Air Force veteran, has more than two decades of expertise in network security and vulnerability management. He now serves as an Information System Security Officer (ISSO) for the U.S. Space Force, where he continues to enhance national security protocols.

Chris, a Navy veteran with over ten years in IT, information assurance, and risk management, currently works at CompliancePoint . His roles include vCISO, RMF assessor, and consultant, focusing on enhancing data security and privacy for various organizations.

Daniel is an Air Force veteran with over 15 years of combined experience in IT, cybersecurity, information assurance, and government risk compliance. He has held various roles, including IT administrator, cybersecurity engineer, senior information system security manager, and currently serves as a senior security consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton. In this latest role, Daniel leverages his expertise to address unique and complex challenges in the cyber and IT domains, enhancing his customers’ capabilities.

**The Other Side of the Firewall podcast is a product of RAM Cyber Consulting & Assessments, LLC . RAM Cyber Consulting & Assessments, LLC is a premier Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) consultancy dedicated to supporting the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), Federal agencies, and corporate entities. We specialize in delivering expert guidance to ensure compliance, mitigate risks, and enhance cybersecurity postures. RAM Cyber is pending SDVOSB, VOSB, and 8(a) certification by the SBA, underscoring our commitment to excellence and service.