The use of face recognition technology in screening candidates could land employers in “hot water”, warns Steven Kirkpatrick, managing director at Adecco.

Software company Face.com is making available technology that can identify individuals on social networking sites and other online galleries by comparing their image against a known picture of them.
 
But Kirkpatrick warns that software of this kind is potentially discriminatory and urges employers to have rigorous processes in place to ensure they screen candidates appropriately.
 
“Employers should keep an open mind and not be too quick to judge a candidate based on an image they have found on the internet. Equal opportunity and discrimination laws haven’t changed. If an employer is found using this technology to discriminate against age, gender, race, privacy, nationality or sexual orientation, they could end up in hot water.

“At the end of the day, this software can’t replace the traditional CV and interview process to identify the most suitable candidate. It’s important to keep in mind that if you find a photo of a candidate drinking, for example, it doesn’t necessarily discount their work credentials and suitability for your business.”