Privacy, technology face off again

[Commentary] The tension between new technology and individual privacy is as old as Silicon Valley.

Each advance that allows or impels us to share information or seek windows into others' lives is scary at first. Often the fears blow over as benefits become clear -- but there will be limits to the degree that privacy and civil liberties will be given up, and individuals should have a right to make the choice for themselves. The latest frontier is facial recognition technology, which tech companies such as Facebook hope will help ramp up profits. And well they should -- as long as users' participation is an option.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has reportedly compiled a database of more than 13 million photographs of criminals. It isn't far-fetched to envision an FBI has a database with the photo of every American so each could be tracked at will. The Federal Trade Commission has promised to issue a best practices guide this year for companies using facial recognition technology. It should include the ability for Americans to opt out of the feature. And Congress should be writing law to protect individuals' privacy. Law enforcement agencies have accepted limitations on the use of wiretaps and GPS information. Individuals should have the same reasonable protections against abuse of facial recognition technology.