Facebook’s latest app banned from EU

Facebook’s recent application, Moments, is its latest attempt at decentralising some of its core Facebook functions for a more streamlined experience for users. It allows users to share their pictures with ease, thanks to its new face recognition algorithms which should take the hassle out of tagging your friends by automatically doing it for you. Earlier this week, Will Ruben, product manager, stated some of the benefits of the app in a blog post, saying “When you go to a wedding, for example, there are many people taking great photos throughout the day. You all want a quick way to share your photos with the friends who are in them, and get photos that you’re in back.” However, the company has struggled to launch its latest app in European territories due to concerns over its facial recognition software, despite being available in the US.

Facebook moments allows users to share pictures privately between friends. Its controversial facial recognition system, DeepFace AI, is the cause for concern which is said to be accurate at 97.25%. Despite its good intentions, Irish regulators felt that the facial recognition was too intrusive. Richard Allen, Facebook’s head of policy in Europe, agreed that the app must be amended to include an opt-out feature. This isn’t the first time the social networking site has had difficulties concerning its facial recognition software. In 2012, it activated facial recognition for its websites photos sector as the sites default, but the same Irish regulator forced Facebook to remove it after an audit.

For our European readers waiting eagerly to share their latest snaps with friends, away from the prying eyes of other ‘Friends’ using Moments, you may need to wait a while longer. Facebook have not announced when we can expect an update.

Source: Wall Street Journal