The Security Industry Association on Tuesday released a set of principles to guide policies for the development and use of facial recognition technology, which critics charge could be used to invade privacy and allow governments to spy on their citizens.

The principles outline proper use of the technology in both the private and public sectors, including law enforcement. Among other things, they call for accountability mechanisms for misuse of the technology and clear policies on how it is to be implemented. The principles also spell out when law enforcement agents should be allowed to use facial recognition technology versus when they should not be allowed. For instance, using the technology to find missing persons would be a "legitimate" use while using it as the sole basis for an arrest would not.

"SIA recognizes that some community leaders have expressed deeply-held views calling for the end of facial recognition technology use by law enforcement and the private sector. We respectfully but firmly disagree," SIA Don Erickson said in a statement. "Facial recognition technology offers tremendous benefits to society when used effectively and responsibly and with appropriate safeguards."

The principles were developed by and with input from many SIA members, including members of the SIA Facial Recognition Working Group, the SIA Data Privacy Advisory Board and the SIA Executive Committee, according to the association. The group represents more than 1,100 business members, including companies that develop facial recognition technology.

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