 will tag you more readily. "Pin It")
You can opt out of Facebook's facial recognition feature by adjusting your privacy settings. (iStock Photo)
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Facebook is at it again--turning on a new feature by default and leaving it up to the user to figure out what it means and how to opt out. This time it’s tagging suggestions based on facial recognition, which is another threat to law enforcement officers' safety.
The way it works is when a user tags friends, Facebook uses its facial recognition technology to identify others and suggest friends you should also tag. What this means to you is that the likelihood of getting tagged, even by people whom don’t know you--and therefore also don’t know you’re a police officer--can tag you more readily.
Here’s how to turn it off:
1. Click on "Account" in the upper right pull-down menu.
2. Select “Privacy Settings.”
3. Select “Customize Settings” (it's in the blue font in the middle of the page).
4. In section called “Things Others Share,” see “Suggest Photos of Me to Friends” and click "Edit.”
5. Choose “Disable.”
This is also a good time to remind your friends and family to not post photos of you in the first place.
Want More?
Want to learn more about social media, the Internet and law enforcement? Attend the SMILE Conference, which will be hosted by the Dallas Police Department, Sept. 28-30. One full day will be spent on public order, social activism and the changing relationship with traditional media. To learn more or to register, click here.
