The Deployment of Automated Facial Recognition (AFR) and Privacy Implications under SDG 16: Building Effective and Accountable Institutions for Data Governance

This chapter situates the deployment of Automated Facial Recognition (AFR) technology within the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 framework for just, peaceful, and inclusive institutions. Bu analyses the privacy trade-offs inherent in state and corporate AFR use, evaluating existing and proposed data governance regimes against accountability benchmarks drawn from international human rights law. The chapter contributes a critical legal perspective to one of the most contentious AI governance debates, with particular relevance for jurisdictions — including across MENA — where regulatory frameworks remain nascent.