Islamabad, 17 May, 2025: Facial ID Attendance System implementation in Punjab’s public colleges has been temporarily halted following intense backlash from teaching staff and concerns over privacy rights.
The Higher Education Department (HED) issued an official order suspending the system’s use and the registration of faculty, citing the need for legal clarity and data safeguards.
Suspension Amid Privacy Fears
According to a departmental notification dated May 16, the Facial ID Attendance System remains in the testing phase and has not received formal approval for launch.
Despite this, several colleges had reportedly begun installing the system and registering educators without authorisation.
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The department deemed these actions “inappropriate” and ordered institutions to uninstall the technology and discard any data collected through it.
The decision came in response to sustained opposition led by the Punjab Professors and Lecturers Association (PPLA), which voiced serious concerns about privacy violations, ethical considerations, and the absence of legal frameworks.
The association argued that introducing biometric monitoring tools without consent threatened both the dignity and constitutional rights of educators.
Educators Push Back
PPLA representatives have raised alarms over the lack of consultation, especially given cultural and religious sensitivities, particularly for female staff.
They stressed that surveillance systems should not overshadow the need for genuine academic reforms.
Educators also argued that reliance on facial recognition could damage professional trust and lead to unnecessary scrutiny in the classroom.
Sources confirmed that educators across the province had been protesting the premature rollout.
The notification clarified that while master trainers could continue providing briefings to college principals and staff, no teacher registrations should proceed until the system is legally approved and robust data protection measures are in place.
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Earlier in May, college principals had been directed to begin enrolling faculty members onto the Facial ID Attendance System, with support from designated trainers.
However, this abrupt pause reflects growing apprehension surrounding digital surveillance in educational settings.
While the HED has not fully cancelled the initiative, the suspension underscores the need for transparency, legal oversight, and respect for faculty rights.
The PPLA has pledged to continue advocating for safeguards before any future rollout of the Facial ID Attendance System is reconsidered.
