Florida: Magic Kingdom Says COVID-19 is Reason to Install Facial Recognition

Florida: Walt Disney World has joined the ranks of airports and corporations using COVID-19 as justification for installing facial recognition to identify guests in a trial program between March 23 and April 23, 2021. The Walt Disney World announcement revealed they are storing records of guest’s faces. The Disney Tourist blog said, “Facial recognition technology is fairly ubiquitous, and its utilization in public settings and at private businesses might surprise people. … Casual guests may not notice them, but there are cameras all over in the parks. It’s one of those things that, once you start noticing them, you spot them everywhere.” -GEG

Sadly, Walt Disney World has joined the ranks of airports and corporations using COVID-19 as an excuse to install facial recognition.

 

 
According to the Disney Tourist Blog, Walt Disney World will trial facial recognition at Magic Kingdom.

“Walt Disney World is currently testing new facial recognition technology for park entry at Magic Kingdom. In this post, we’ll share photos and video of our experience with the new contactless tech, thoughts on Big Brother fears & privacy concerns, and more.” 

Walt Disney World has been treating families like suspected criminals at a TSA checkpoint so it’s the next logical step for them.

 

“As part of an ongoing effort to enhance the arrival experience for guests at the entrance to Magic Kingdom Park, we have relocated some of our bag checks and metal detectors to the Transportation and Ticket Center and the monorail stations at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort” said Disney spokeswoman Rebecca Peddle.

 

“From what I have heard over the next year Disney is going to implementing new security measures to all of their theme parks entrances. Early reports state that we will be seeing airport style security scanners, hand-held wand scanners, and more uniformed Police presences with K-9 units,” blogger Anonymouse said.

 

According to a Walt Disney World announcement, Magic Kingdom will be using facial recognition to ID guests between March 23 and April 23, 2021.

 

“At Walt Disney World Resort, we’re always looking for innovative and convenient ways to improve our Guests’ experience—especially as we navigate the impact of COVID-19.” 

 

“The technology we’re testing captures an image of a Guest’s face and converts it into a unique number, which is then associated with the form of admission being used for park entry.”  

Nothing says ‘improving a guest’s experience’ quite like using facial recognition to track their movements.

Walt Disney World’s claim that, “children under the age of 18 who wish to participate may do so with the consent and in the presence of a parent or guardian,” is somewhat misleading.

If a guest (child under 18) approaches a ride or walks through the park how does facial recognition not ID them or associate them with a parent? Facial recognition cameras do not automatically stop trying to ID adults and children because they refused to participate. That is not how this technology works.

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