Facebook suspends photo tag tool in Europe

[Jazzy]

Facebook has suspended the facial-recognition tool that suggests when registered users could be tagged in photographs uploaded to its website.



The move follows a review of Facebook's efforts to implement changes recommended by the Data Protection Commissioner of Ireland last year.



Billy Hawkes, who did not request the tool's total removal, said he was encouraged by the decision to switch it off for users in Europe by 15 October.



It is already unavailable to new users.



Mr Hawkes said Facebook is sending a clear signal of its wish to demonstrate its commitment to best practice in data protection compliance.



Richard Allan, Facebook director of policy for Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: The EU has looked at the issue of securing consent for this kind of technology and issued new guidance.



Our intention is to reinstate the tag-suggest feature, but consistent with new guidelines. The service will need a different form of notice and consent.



The facial-recognition tool was not part of the company's commercial activities and did not generate many user complaints, he added.



In December 2011 the Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) gave Facebook six months to comply with its recommendations.

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[Sinon]

In December 2011 the Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) gave Facebook six months to comply with its recommendations.

So they complied nine months after they were given six months to comply? Uh. Pretty sure six is less than nine, so what repercussions (if any) did they face for not completing it in time?