A class action lawsuit has been filed against The Walt Disney Company regarding the use of facial recognition technology at Disneyland’s entrances. This case is significant as it raises important questions about privacy and data transparency.
The lawsuit, initiated on behalf of lead plaintiff Summer Christine Duffield, argues that Disney does not provide sufficient information about how it uses this technology. Duffield visited Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park on May 10 and May 14, expressing concerns about her privacy rights.
The lawsuit seeks at least $5 million in damages. According to attorney Blake Hunter Yagman, families should not have to sacrifice their privacy while visiting a popular theme park. He emphasised the growing presence of facial recognition technology in public spaces and the potential civil rights implications of collecting biometric data without clear consent. The legal team looks forward to presenting their case in court.
Disney has not responded to requests for comment. However, their website states that the facial recognition service is optional and aims to assist with park re-entry and reduce fraud. The technology captures facial images at the entrance, comparing them with a previous image stored when a ticket was first used. Disney claims all data is deleted within 30 days.
The lawsuit contends that guests should explicitly consent to using facial recognition technology. It mentions that the park has small signs about the policy, which might be easily overlooked. Furthermore, unclear alternative entrance options raise concerns for those wanting to avoid using this technology. The lawsuit comes amid growing worries about surveillance in public areas, with other companies like Amazon and Meta facing similar legal challenges.
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