Your photo in a face search engine: demand deletion

Services that collect faces from the internet and make them searchable process biometric data, an especially protected category of data. Without a legal basis this is generally not permitted. You can request information, object and demand deletion.

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Your chances of getting your money back

Biometric data for unique identification enjoy special protection (Art. 9 DSGVO). Without a solid legal basis their processing is not permitted, you can assert deletion (Art. 17) and object (Art. 21).

You also have a claim to information about which data the service has stored about you (Art. 15 DSGVO). Data protection authorities act against unlawful face databases.

What you should do now

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1. Document the occurrences
Record which service shows which photos of you (screenshots, URLs).
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2. Request information and deletion
Demand information about the stored data and the deletion of your biometric data and photos.
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3. Lodge an objection
Expressly object to the further processing of your data.
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4. File a complaint
If the service does not respond, file a complaint with the data protection supervisory authority.

How to spot the scam

A service publicly links photos of you to your name or profiles.
Deletion or information requests go unanswered.
Photos are shown that you deleted long ago.

Frequently asked questions

Is a face search engine allowed?

It processes biometric data, which are especially protected (Art. 9 DSGVO). Without a solid legal basis this is generally not permitted. Data protection authorities act against such services, and you can demand deletion.

How do I get my data deleted?

Request information (Art. 15), deletion (Art. 17) and lodge an objection (Art. 21). Document the occurrences beforehand. If the service does not respond, file a complaint with the data protection authority.

Does deleting my photos online help?

It can help, but does not fully protect you, because copies can remain. It is more important to assert deletion and objection directly with the service and, if necessary, involve the supervisory authority.

Take action now

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.