Leisure firm told scanning staff faces is illegal

A leisure firm has been informed that using facial recognition technology to scan the faces of their staff is illegal under data protection laws.

The firm, which operates a chain of gyms and leisure centers across the country, had implemented the technology in an attempt to monitor attendance and ensure staff were following health and safety guidelines.

However, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has warned that such practices are in breach of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and could result in hefty fines.

The firm has since ceased using the facial recognition technology and is working to develop alternative methods for monitoring staff attendance and compliance.