Facebook updates Face Recognition Permission

Facebook always gives you control over whether we recognize you in photos using face recognition technology. Previously it was called Tag Suggestion because Facebook only used face recognition technology to tag your friends in Facebook photos. In December 2017 we created a new Setting. This is what some people call face recognition technology. This new setting allows you to manage whether the face recognition technology is used only to suggest tags in your photo. This face recognition technology helps you protect your identity on Facebook.

Newcomers to Facebook or those who already have a Tags Suggestion system have a Face Recognition Technology Setting. They also get information on how it works. The Tags Suggestion System only controls whether we recommend that your friends refer you to photos or videos using a face recognition system.

Letting People Know

Anyone who has a tags suggestions setting will start to see a notification in their news feed. This notification will include information about the new features and tips to learn more about how we use face recognition. It comes along with a button to turn it on or keep it off. If you do not currently have a face recognition setting, we will not use facial recognition to identify you or suggest tags.

In addition, the Photo Review feature lets you know if you are not tagged in a photo but you appear in the photos. People can still tag friends manually. We do not recommend that you be tagged if you do not have a face recognition turned on. If you already have a face recognition setting, you won't get notified.

Privacy Matters

We engage with academics, privacy experts, regulators and people on Facebook about how we use face recognition and the options you have to control it. We have made clear steps to update your settings, and you can leave your settings on the notification instead of going to a separate screen. If you do nothing, face recognition is for you. You also have the opportunity to review information about our technology and the features it enables so you can make the right choice for you.

Finally, Facebook's face recognition technology has yet to recognize you to a stranger. We will not share your face recognition information with third parties. We don't even sell our technology.