Punjab Halts Facial Recognition Attendance in Colleges Amid Privacy Concerns

The Higher Education Department (HED) of Punjab has issued a directive halting the use and registration of facial recognition-based attendance systems in all public colleges across the province. This development comes after sustained protests and criticism from the Punjab Professors and Lecturers Association (PPLA), which cited privacy violations, legal uncertainties, and respect for teacher dignity as primary concerns.

Unapproved Implementation Sparks Controversy

In a notification dated May 16, the HED clarified that the facial recognition system is still under development and has not been officially launched. However, several colleges had reportedly begun installing unauthorized versions of the system and registering staff without formal clearance.

Calling these actions “highly inappropriate,” the department has instructed all institutions to immediately dismantle the systems and ensure secure disposal of any collected data.

Educators Push Back Over Privacy and Consent

The suspension follows strong opposition from the PPLA, which has led protests and submitted appeals against the system. The association argued that implementing facial recognition technology without appropriate legal and ethical safeguards not only violates privacy rights but also fails to consider cultural and religious sensitivities—especially regarding female staff.

The PPLA has maintained that the use of surveillance technology in educational spaces should not come at the cost of educators’ personal freedoms and professional standing.

Orientation Only, No Registrations Permitted

According to HED, the current phase of the project is limited strictly to orientation sessions for principals and staff, delivered by designated master trainers. Teacher registration and full deployment of the system have been paused until legal frameworks and data protection protocols are finalized.

Implementation Delayed Amid Broader Debate

The move follows earlier instructions from HED that had set a May 15 deadline for faculty registration. Several institutions had already begun the process, supported by field trainers. The sudden suspension signals a major shift as public and institutional scrutiny over digital surveillance tools continues to intensify.

The PPLA has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding teacher autonomy and dignity, emphasizing that consultation and policy transparency must guide any future implementation of such technologies.

Broader Implications for Privacy in Education

This decision highlights growing global and local concerns about digital privacy in academic environments. As facial recognition technology becomes more widespread, stakeholders are increasingly calling for robust legal frameworks and ethical considerations before adoption.