The paper "Beyond Surveillance: Privacy, Ethics, and Regulations in Face Recognition Technology" by Yukang Wang, Ying Cheng Wu, Mengjie Zhou, and Hongpeng Fu critically examines the current rules and policies governing facial recognition technology (FRT), highlighting the tensions between state and corporate interests, and individual rights and ethical considerations. The authors argue that current legislative measures often fall short of robust scholarly standards and international human rights norms. They investigate international legal frameworks aimed at protecting individual rights and privacy, concluding with recommendations for developing principled and adaptable governance frameworks that harness the benefits of FRT while mitigating its risks and negative impacts. The paper emphasizes the importance of placing human rights and ethics at the center of regulating this transformative technology. The study employs a multi-method approach, including a comprehensive literature review, case study analysis, legal and regulatory framework assessment, and ethical and societal impact evaluation. It provides a detailed analysis of the technical aspects, applications, legal and regulatory frameworks, and ethical and societal implications of FRT. The paper also discusses two case studies— Clearview AI's legal controversy and the TSA's pilot program for FRT in U.S. airports—to illustrate real-world implications and key issues. The authors propose a principled approach to FRT governance, emphasizing data minimization, purpose limitation, transparency, informed consent, ongoing oversight, and alignment with international human rights frameworks. They stress the need for inclusive and interdisciplinary collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, civil society organizations, academic researchers, and affected communities to develop effective and legitimate governance frameworks.The paper "Beyond Surveillance: Privacy, Ethics, and Regulations in Face Recognition Technology" by Yukang Wang, Ying Cheng Wu, Mengjie Zhou, and Hongpeng Fu critically examines the current rules and policies governing facial recognition technology (FRT), highlighting the tensions between state and corporate interests, and individual rights and ethical considerations. The authors argue that current legislative measures often fall short of robust scholarly standards and international human rights norms. They investigate international legal frameworks aimed at protecting individual rights and privacy, concluding with recommendations for developing principled and adaptable governance frameworks that harness the benefits of FRT while mitigating its risks and negative impacts. The paper emphasizes the importance of placing human rights and ethics at the center of regulating this transformative technology. The study employs a multi-method approach, including a comprehensive literature review, case study analysis, legal and regulatory framework assessment, and ethical and societal impact evaluation. It provides a detailed analysis of the technical aspects, applications, legal and regulatory frameworks, and ethical and societal implications of FRT. The paper also discusses two case studies— Clearview AI's legal controversy and the TSA's pilot program for FRT in U.S. airports—to illustrate real-world implications and key issues. The authors propose a principled approach to FRT governance, emphasizing data minimization, purpose limitation, transparency, informed consent, ongoing oversight, and alignment with international human rights frameworks. They stress the need for inclusive and interdisciplinary collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, civil society organizations, academic researchers, and affected communities to develop effective and legitimate governance frameworks.