Fact Check: Misleading Claims About Facial Recognition in Public Examinations

Claim: Viral posts on social media platforms claim that national examination bodies have installed covert AI facial recognition cameras inside computer-based test (CBT) centers to secretly record candidate biometric data and sell it to third-party data brokers.

Verdict: MISLEADING.

The Investigation

Following widespread concern among candidates and parents, OpenLedger News audited technical guidelines, interviewed examination board IT administrators, and inspected certified testing facilities.

Key Findings:

1. Biometric Verification Purpose: Biometric verification (fingerprint and snapshot verification) is conducted exclusively during registration and candidate check-in to prevent impersonation and examination malpractice. 2. Data Storage & Encryption: Captured candidate verification data is stored on encrypted, air-gapped examination servers protected under national data protection regulations. It is not transmitted to external commercial entities. 3. Webcam Monitoring in Remote Exams: For remote proctored exams, webcams monitor candidate presence during the session, but no active commercial surveillance or data broker sharing occurs.

Conclusion: While examination boards use facial verification to curb examination impersonation, claims of covert data harvesting for third-party commercial sale are unsubstantiated and false.