Facebook has long relied on facial recognition technology to gather as much of its users’ data as possible. By collecting this biometric information, the social media giant is able to build comprehensive profiles of the people who use its platform, even when they’re browsing elsewhere on the web. That’s why MarketWatch columnist and tech expert Jurica Dujmovic recently wrote that facial recognition technology is one of the single greatest threats to user privacy online.

According to Dujmovic, there is a vast array of uses for this personal information, from monetizing it with advertisers to handing it over to government agencies.

“Your data is used for a wide range of applications — from unlocking your phone and being tagged on a photo on your favorite social network, to authentication schemes, including those related to law enforcement and other government agencies and even private businesses,” Dujmovic wrote. “Aside from police departments, security services and other government organizations, your photos can also fall into the hands of hackers and researchers of AI.”

Thankfully, Meta recently decided to end its facial recognition program after years of collecting our biometric info. However, the company didn’t rule out returning to it in the future. In other words, it’s likely we haven’t heard the last of this issue with Facebook — which is all the more reason to remain vigilant about the potential perils of this technology.

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