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The European Union is debating a potential ban on the use of facial recognition technologies in public areas which could last for five years, allowing lawmakers to catch up. 

Facial recognition-equipped systems, such as those found in mobile devices and cameras, are advocated by law enforcement as a way to track missing persons and as useful tools in criminal investigations.

However, critics say this technology is susceptible to abuse and its use without the consent of the general public undermines our right to privacy.

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