Google Is Buying People's Face Data For Rs 350, But For What Purpose?

Google is known to collect data while we're browsing on the internet, even in incognito mode, to target personalised ads to us.

But this isn't as creepy as going to people and asking them whether they could collect their face data, and pay them money for their trouble.

Reuters

According to a report by ZDNet, Google has been collecting facial data of people to improve facial recognition, possibly to unlock our phones faster in the future.

For this, it is also offering people $5 (approximately Rs 350) Amazon or Starbucks gift cards in exchange for their facial biometric data. All they have to do is sign off a waiver, get their face scanned in a mysterious phone covered in a large case and that's about it.

Why is Google Collecting People's Face Data?

While this has to be one of the strangest ways of collecting data, and it looks like Google is preparing to bring face-unlock features on its upcoming flagship device -- Google Pixel 4.

The oval opening of the Pixel 4 Series front panel means that the Google Pixel 4 Series will be groundbreaking and new and worth looking forward to. pic.twitter.com/9Pg9bGcWrs

¡ª Ice universe (@UniverseIce) July 20, 2019

This news somewhat goes in tandem with the recent leaks by leakster Ice Universe of Pixel 4's display which have indicated that the top of the display unit has multiple cutouts, which hint at a series of hardware (IR sensors or cameras) for either capturing sharp selfies or securely unlocking the smartphone.

And finally comes your first complete look at the #Google #Pixel4! As usual, 360¡ã video + gorgeous 5K renders + dimensions + #Pixel4 VS #Pixel4XL 5K renders, on behalf of new Partner @igeeksblog -> https://t.co/PiGmSpv4Rj pic.twitter.com/FySTBL818x

¡ª Steve H.McFly (@OnLeaks) July 20, 2019

Another leak by popular leakster @onleaks has revealed 3D renders of the Pixel 4, showcasing the square camera unit at the back in all its glory, along with a display with a considerable forehead and without any minimal bezels or notches, which only supports the display images leaked by Ice Universe.

Previous Google Pixel 4 leaks have revealed that the device is expected to get larger displays compared to previous generation Pixel smartphones, along with 6GB of RAM.

What Google would do with the access to facial data of the citizens, even with their consent is still something to think about. In comparison, the Face ID data on an iPhone stays on the device and Apple seemingly has no access to it. Would the upcoming Pixel 4 provide similar, if not better privacy measures for securing a user's data?

What if Google decides to sell this data to the US government or to a company who's willing to pay top dollar for it? What if it leads to a China-like situation where people's facial and personal data is ultimately used against them? Just something to think about.