Major League Baseball (MLB) is starting a program called Go-Ahead Entry, a facial authentication-based system allowing ticketed fans a hands-free entry into the stadium.
“MLB’s Go-Ahead Entry technology uses a camera that will recognize any opted-in fan as a registered member as they walk in – either alone or with their group – automatically scanning tickets once identified. No need to stop or even get a phone out. Fans can now enjoy the ultimate hands-free, free-flow experience entering the ballpark with their eyes up. Just skip the line and be ready to enjoy the game,” according to the press release.
Go-Ahead Entry reportedly requires fans to register through an app, upload a selfie, and then gain entry through facial recognition technology at the gates.
With the rise of cybercrime and data breaches, the system raises legitimate concerns about how data could be stored, shared, or hacked in the future.
From The Gateway Pundit:
Both MLB and the Phillies claimed that their facial authentication system was not the same as facial recognition. “This is not scanning a crowd looking for people,” said Phillies vice president and chief technology officer Sean Walker. “This is determining if a person is authenticated. We’re not tied to any law enforcement. There’s certainly no sharing of the data. It’s simply to get you into the ballpark. It’s not facial surveillance.”
