A recent class action lawsuit against The Walt Disney Company over Disneyland's use of facial recognition technology at park entrances has sparked a conversation many families may not have expected to have during a day out with the kids.

s it okay to scan our children's faces? What happens to that data? How long is it stored? And is the convenience worth the privacy trade-off?

As facial recognition becomes more common in everyday life, parents may wonder whether they should avoid places that use it, especially when children's data is involved.

The answer is not always straightforward.

Key takeaways:

• Facial recognition is increasingly used in theme parks, airports, stadiums, and other public spaces.
• Companies often use it to improve security, prevent fraud, and speed up entry.
• Biometric data is different from passwords because it cannot easily be changed if compromised.
• Parents should understand how their family's data is collected, stored, and deleted.
• Asking a few simple privacy questions can help families make informed decisions.

What is facial recognition technology?

Facial recognition technology uses cameras and software to identify or verify a person's identity based on their facial features. When a face is scanned, the system analyzes features such as the distance between the eyes, the shape of the nose, or other unique characteristics. These measurements are then converted into a digital biometric template that can be compared against stored information.

The technology is already familiar to many families. Face ID on smartphones works in a similar way, using biometric information to unlock a device. Some social media platforms, online services, and age verification systems also use facial analysis to estimate a user's age or confirm their identity.

The difference is that facial recognition is increasingly moving beyond personal devices and online accounts into public spaces such as airports, sports stadiums, concert venues, schools, office buildings, and even some stores. In many cases, the goal is to improve security, reduce waiting times, or verify identity without requiring tickets, passes, or passwords.

Related: Age verification for teens: Privacy risks parents should know

What are the risks of facial recognition?

The concerns surrounding facial recognition are about privacy, transparency, and how biometric information is handled, especially when children are involved.

Your face cannot be changed like a password. If a password is exposed in a data breach, you can change it. If facial recognition data is compromised, you cannot simply replace your face.

This is why biometric information is often considered more sensitive than many other types of personal data. Organizations collecting it should be transparent about how it is used, stored, protected, and deleted.

You may not always know how the data is used. One concern raised by privacy advocates is transparency. Families may not always know exactly what information is being collected, who has access to it, whether it is shared with third parties, or how it might be used in the future.

Biometric data may be used in AI powered scams. Photos, videos, voice recordings, and other personal data can already be used to create convincing fake identities, deepfakes, and impersonation scams. This is one reason why some families are becoming more cautious about where they share biometric information and how it is stored.

Related: How to Outsmart AI Voice Scammers Pretending to Be Your Family

It may normalize constant surveillance. Some experts worry that widespread facial recognition could make being scanned and identified everywhere feel normal. As children grow up surrounded by biometric technologies, they may become less likely to question when, why, and by whom their personal information is collected.

Related: How kids bypass age verification online and what families can do about it

Should you allow facial recognition for your child?

Most parents are not going to spend hours researching the privacy practices of every theme park, stadium, airport, or attraction they visit while dealing with impatient children in the car or pushing a stroller. But ignoring the issue altogether isn't ideal either.

So how should parents decide?

A more realistic approach is to use facial recognition intentionally, not automatically. Think of it the same way you think about app permissions, social media privacy settings, or location tracking. Understand what you're agreeing to and make a conscious choice rather than simply clicking "accept" by default.

Here are a few practical questions that can help.

Is facial recognition optional?

Can you still enter the venue, use the service, or access the attraction without scanning your face? Many organizations offer alternatives, such as traditional tickets, ID checks, or non-biometric entry lanes. If there is a choice between a facial recognition lane and a traditional entry lane, decide which option feels right for your family.

Are you comfortable sharing your child's biometric data?

Parents routinely make decisions about their children's privacy, from posting photos online to creating accounts for educational apps. Facial recognition is another example of a technology that may require a little extra thought.

Some families are comfortable trading a little privacy for convenience. Others prefer to limit the collection of biometric information whenever possible. What matters is making a conscious decision rather than feeling pressured into one.

Is the organization being transparent?

Do you trust them collecting the data? Reputable organizations should clearly explain when biometric data is collected and provide basic information about how it is handled.

Can the data be deleted?

Some organizations allow users to request the deletion of their biometric information. Others automatically remove it after a certain period. You don't need to become an expert on data retention policies, but it can be useful to know whether you have any control over information collected about you or your child.

Does the experience feel worth the trade-off?

This may be the most important question of all. Perhaps it's a once-in-a-lifetime family holiday, your child's dream destination, or an event that genuinely matters to your family. In those situations, some parents may decide the convenience is worth it. Others may decide differently.

The best privacy decision is the one that feels right for your family.

Related: How to deal with a family member who overshares on social media (without starting a fight)

How to protect your family's privacy in a world of increasing data collection

Facial recognition is only one example of how personal information is collected today. From social media platforms and mobile apps to online shopping, gaming accounts, and smart devices, families share information every day, often without realizing how much data is involved.

One of the best ways to protect your family's privacy is to develop healthy digital habits. Read privacy notices when possible, review app permissions, think carefully before sharing personal information, talk to children about how their data may be collected and used online and share as less as possible.

Bitdefender Family Plan helps you keep an eye on your digital footprint and protect the entire household against phishing attacks, malicious links, scam websites, malware, account takeover attempts, and other online threats. The plan includes protection tailored to different family members, whether it's helping parents manage children's online activity, protecting teenagers from emerging digital risks, or helping older relatives avoid scams.

Because while you may not always be able to control how much information organizations collect, you can take steps to better protect your family's digital life.

Find out more about how Bitdefender Family Plans protect your family's devices, identities, accounts, and online activities.

FAQs

Should families avoid places that use facial recognition?

Not necessarily. Many organizations use facial recognition for legitimate purposes such as improving security, preventing fraud, and speeding up entry. Instead of avoiding these places altogether, parents may want to understand what information is being collected, how it is stored, and whether participation is optional.

Is facial recognition safe for children?

Facial recognition systems can be secure, but they involve the collection of biometric data, which is considered sensitive information. Parents should understand how a company handles children's data, how long it is stored, and whether it can be deleted.

What happens to facial recognition data after it is collected?

This depends on the organization. Some companies store biometric data only temporarily, while others may retain it for longer periods. Privacy policies should explain what information is collected, how it is used, and when it is deleted.

Can I opt out of facial recognition at theme parks?

In some cases, yes. Many organizations offer alternative methods of entry or identity verification. If you are concerned about sharing biometric information, check whether facial recognition is optional before participating.

Why do theme parks use facial recognition technology?

Theme parks may use facial recognition to help prevent ticket fraud, verify identities, improve security, and make entry or re-entry faster and more convenient for guests.

Can facial recognition data be hacked?

Like any digital information, biometric data can be targeted by cybercriminals. While organizations use security measures to protect sensitive information, no system is completely immune to breaches, which is why transparency and data protection are important.

How long do companies keep biometric data?

Retention periods vary by organization. Some companies delete biometric information after a short period, while others may keep it longer for operational or security purposes. Families should review the company's privacy policy to understand its data retention practices.

What is the difference between Face ID and facial recognition in public places?

Face ID on a smartphone is typically stored and processed on your personal device to unlock it. Facial recognition in public places usually involves an organization collecting and processing biometric information to verify identity, manage access, or provide services.