Facial Recognition in Indian Schools is becoming part of a wider shift towards technology-driven student attendance and monitoring. Karnataka’s Niranthara programme aims to use facial recognition to record attendance across government and aided schools, high schools and pre-university colleges. Similar AI-based initiatives are also being pursued in states including Assam, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The technology can reduce manual attendance work, prevent proxy attendance and provide education authorities with real-time information. However, the growing use of facial recognition among children has also raised concerns about biometric data privacy, storage, security and potential misuse. Facial data differs from passwords or ID cards because it cannot simply be changed if compromised. UNESCO has previously highlighted concerns over inadequate safeguards for collecting and handling student data in AI-based education systems. The expansion highlights the need for clear privacy safeguards, responsible data management and transparency before facial recognition becomes more widespread in schools.
Facial Recognition in Indian Schools: New Digital ID Raises Privacy Questions
