Kilkenny school’s plan to introduce facial recognition technology for students in doubt after parent complained

A Kilkenny school’s plans to bring in facial recognition technology to improve attendance levels is in doubt after a parent raised concerns with the Irish Council of Civil Liberties (ICCL).

CBS Kilkenny was considering getting involved in a pilot project for the technology, which is aimed at improving the monitoring of school attendance.

However, the Business Post today revealed the project has been thrown into doubt after a parents anonymously contacted the ICCL to highlight their concerns.

CBS principal Tom Clarke said he was shocked the parent had taken the action.

He told the newspaper: “It’s my understanding that this type of technology is in use in lots of schools [in other countries]. We’re talking to a company. We haven’t done a deal, we were exploring it.

“I wouldn’t have thought there was any issue with it. I’m surprised that a parent contacted the ICCL. We would be very GDPR compliant and we’ve done a lot fo work in the school in that regard.

“In my discussions with the company we asked them if there would be any issues with data protection and they said there wouldn’t.”

Mr Clarke did not name the company that approached CBS Kilkenny to take part in the pilot project as it would breach confidentiality, the newspaper reported.

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