Germany authorities says Facebook facial recognition violates European data protection law

[dixiegrrrrl]

and yet, here in the good ole USA, not a peep.
Did YOU know about Facebook's facial recognition feature and how it profiles users?

The story:

"The Hamburg Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information said Tuesday that Facebook is in violation of European data protection laws through its feature that automatically recognizes facial features and "tags" users when others upload photos of them. The commission alleged that Facebook has created the largest biometric database in the world:

It is assumed that the biometric data remain stored. For users to delete their previously stored biometric information want, they must first work through the online help system. This is used to erase the biometric data path via the privacy settings. The corresponding function ("delete data from photo comparison database") does not exist. Elsewhere in the help system is a link that allows the user to contact the "Facebook photo team." Only there one can order the removal of all biometric information previously gathered about him. An opt-out possibility, although available, is difficult for the average user to find. In light of this seems particularly concerning that it is the default even for underage users face recognition. But even if Facebook was offering a user-friendly method to opt-out, it would not meet national or European data protection requirements. For storage of biometrics a pre-issued, unambiguous consent by the affected is required."

( required in Europe, not here)

http://jurist.org/paperchase/2011/08/germany-authorities-says-facebook-facial-recognition-violates-european-data-protection-law.php