[Chris Borg]

Revised summary- Facial recognition article.

Nine schools in North Ayrshire have introduced facial recognition software to streamline lunch payments and reduce COVID-19 risks. While 97% of parents and students supported the system, privacy concerns were raised, as students weren’t fully informed about the potential risks. The Department for Education did not assess the system’s merits, as it doesn’t monitor such technologies. The facial recognition system, previously used for crowd surveillance at large events since 2015, has been found to be 81% inaccurate according to a study by the MET police. Additionally, similar systems in U.S. schools have been temporarily banned due to concerns over their implementation.

[Chris Borg]

HI Andrew,

Mary Farrugia is missing from from Group 4

regards,

Chris

[Chris Borg]

Facial recognition used to take payments from schoolchildren.
Summary

Nine schools in the North Ayrshire have been under the spotlight for introducing facial recognition software to automatically identify the children to automatically pay for their lunches. This system was introduced after COVID-19 to contain the COVID risks and to make the lunch queue more efficient. Parents and campaigners complained that the students were not adequately informed about the privacy risk. Although 97% of children or their parents agreed to the introduction of the new system, in view of its sensitivity and legal uncertainties, there is concern for applying such a system for normal day to day activities. The Department for Education did not enter into the merit of the system because they do not monitor such technologies. Although this system has been used since 2015 for big event surveillance to identify individuals in a crown, an independent study by the MET police confirms the system is 81% inaccurate. It also seems that such a system already introduced in American schools have now been temporarily banned.
My Opinion;
I have to agree with what Silkie Carlo, the head of Big Brother said. I don’t think that there is the need to introduce such an intrusive system for school children. The facial recognition system is a security system that shall be used for more specific purposes, where there are large crowds and the security is high. I don’t think that the school lunch mirrors such security needs. While I acknowledge that the payment for lunch in school may be a challenge due to the limited time period for students to manage to purchase their lunch and eat it, I think that there are other easier ways to address such challenges. In addition, in view of the significant inaccuracy rate of the system, it is not worth considering investing in such a system; it will be a waste of resources. If a new system needs to be implemented in a school, more research and discussions with students and parents is needed to ensure that the system fits to school environment and to embrace the transition.

[Chris Borg]

Slow Streets in Village Cores

I am one of the guilty persons to use my car to run small errands in my home village. More than often it is because I am in a hurry! But considering that parking spaces are limited and or getting stuck behind the garbage truck or the bus, it actually turns out to be more time consuming.

Streets in Malta are mostly designed for vehicles, especially in the villages. Implementing Slow Streets will raise awareness in the community not to use their vehicle at certain times of the days or weekends. Apart from reducing the traffic and the emissions in the village core, it will make it safer and encourage people exercise. It will also help the local businesses with more passing trade.

Having safer and more accessible infrastructure for walking and cycling can instigate people to change their mentality not to use their vehicle as their first option to travel. This can also help people stay more fit and healthy. People will be more willing to shop from local businesses due to extended open public spaces. It will also enhance social interaction between the locals in the community; speaking to the elderly that are sitting on their doorstep, children playing safely in the ‘pjazza’ or street.

We need safer and slower spaces for all to enjoy and to wind down from our busy lives!

[Tutor]

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