Voice recognition has hidden dangers, says Swiss report
Using digital biometric data services can come with risks, a study warns.
Keystone / Britta Pedersen
Online speech and face recognition digital systems should be better regulated to protect consumers, a Swiss technology think tank has recommended.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch/mga
Virtual assistants that react to voice commands, such as Alexa, can bring both benefits and hidden dangers, warns the Foundation for Technology Assessment (TA-Swiss).
In a report published on Tuesday, TA-Swiss urged lawmakers to take a closer look at how digital technology that utilizes biometric data can impact society.
The study recommends that consumers be given the legal right to choose whether their biometric data can be used, citing considerable knowledge gaps on this topic among the public.
Voice and face recognition should not automate critical online decisions in the financial and health sectors while automated real-time surveillance should be banned, says TA-Swiss.
In addition, the authors of the report have concerns about the misuse of biometric data by the authorities, such as police filming demonstrations.
They are calling for a clearer legal basis to protect consumers from the potential ill-effects of face and voice recognition services.
The study analysed eight areas of application, including ‘smart’ loudspeakers that react to voice commands, systems that purport to recognise illness through voice or face recognition and the use of such technology in sports stadiums.
Popular Stories
More
Climate adaptation
Why Switzerland is among the ten fastest-warming countries in the world
Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?
Some regions of the world are on an upward trajectory with the promise of a steadily improving future. Where do you live? And in which direction is your region or continent developing?
This content was published on
There is no longer any danger of rockfall or landslide on the roads below the Graubünden village of Brienz, authorities say.
This content was published on
Europe’s biggest freshwater fish tastes better than its reputation, say fishermen in the French-speaking west of Switzerland.
Swiss authorities keep close eye on West Nile fever in Italy
This content was published on
Authorities are keeping a close eye on the situation after the death toll in Italy due to the disease has risen to seven.
Bern biodiversity project brings boost for forest bees
This content was published on
More sunlit areas in forests can boost the number of wild bees – both in overall terms and in terms of species diversity.
Swiss president kicks off National Day celebrations on Rütli meadow
This content was published on
Several hundred people gathered on the Rütli in central Switzerland at midday on Friday to celebrate the national Swiss holiday, before Karin Keller-Sutter addressed the crowd.
US sets deadline for Novartis and other pharma firms to lower prices
This content was published on
US President Donald Trump says he has sent letters to Swiss giant Novartis and other pharma firms calling for lower drug prices in the United States – or face retaliation.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
How re-thinking data security could help the most vulnerable
This content was published on
Humanitarian organisations are digitalising their operations to reach more people in need, but data breaches could expose them to dangers.
Biometrics in humanitarian action: a delicate balance
This content was published on
Employing biometrics in humanitarian work should fuel a profound debate on ethics and better funding for technical research, argues an ICRC expert.
This content was published on
There is growing urgency among experts to prepare for cases in which deepfake techniques are used to manipulate public opinion.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.