Teachers at schools in the Eskasoni First Nation in Nova Scotia are asking their school board to stop using facial recognition technology to track attendance. They say the system invades their privacy.
The teachers have raised concerns about being scanned without their full consent. Facial recognition cameras are being used to record when staff arrive and leave. The educators argue that this method of monitoring is too personal and unnecessary.
A spokesperson for the teachers said they want the school board to pause the technology while they discuss alternatives. The board has not yet responded to the request.
Facial recognition technology has become more common in schools across Canada. Some use it for security. Others, like this case, use it for attendance. Privacy advocates often warn that such systems can collect sensitive data without proper safeguards.
The teachers hope the board will consider other ways to track attendance that are less intrusive. They emphasize that they support accountability but not at the cost of their privacy.
This debate comes as more workplaces and schools adopt biometric systems. Critics say employees should have the right to choose whether to participate. For now, the teachers in Eskasoni are waiting for the board to act on their request.