An advertising agency in Nashville, Tennessee is pushing the envelope when it comes to Facebook, facial recognition software and user privacy.

Redpepper created a Facebook application called ‘Facedeals.’ The way it works is businesses install facial recognition cameras; the camera recognizes patrons, checks them in on Facebook and then delivers a customized deal based on their like history.

The above scenario is enough to make privacy advocates cringe and is probably enough to raise the eyebrow of a casual Facebook user. The good news is that you must first install the Facedeals application to participate, so you don’t have to worry about the cameras checking you in without your knowledge or consent.

We realize that times are tough, and saving money when and where you can is an attractive proposition; however, the privacy implications in using this Facebook application are too grave to ignore. First off, there doesn’t appear to be way to approve or deny the check-ins. So while you may not mind being checked in at your favorite restaurant, you don’t have the option of refusing a check-in at a place you would rather keep private.

Also, keep in mind that an advertising agency will be amassing large amounts of data regarding your daily routine, buying habits, Facebook ‘likes,’ etc. Where will this data be stored, and how secure is it? Will your data be shared or sold to third parties? Will law enforcement or other agencies have access to it? We believe the potential pitfalls far outweigh the benefits, and we have to say this is a bad deal for consumers.

For more information about how Facedeals works, check out the video created by Redpepper Lab below:

Recommended Resources

BitDefender Safego is a Facebook application you can install that will scan your News Feed and help keep you safe from scams on Facebook.

PRIVATE WiFi® is a Personal VPN that encrypts everything you send and receive. Don’t access Facebook from a public WiFi hotspot without it.

Do Not Track + is a FREE browser plugin created by Abine. This easy to install plugin keeps websites from tracking you. If you value your online privacy, then you should definitely take advantage of this free product.

Action Alert | Free Parental Control offers a 100% free Internet safety solution designed for parents. There is also a Maximum Protection option for parents that need a more advanced set of tools.