There are really two topics presented in this story: camps using tools like Bunk1 to share photos with parents, and Bunk1 “improving” the experience with facial recognition. When my son went to camp 6 years ago, the camp used Bunk1 to share photos with parents, but they didn’t try to identify specific kids - you could just see lots of happy kids having fun, and occasionally you would spot your kid. Our kids never went to daycare, so sending them to camp was a big deal for us. The photos were really nice to see. Also, the two-week camp had a no-phoning home rule, within reason, based on the idea that a homesick kid will only feel worse after talking to mom. I think the photos helped them enforce this rule with parents: “if you are worried about your kid, or just want to know what’s happening, check the photos”. At the time, we really appreciated the photos and felt that Bunk1 took appropriate steps to protect the privacy of campers. Facial recognition crosses a BIG red line in my opinion. I’m really surprised that this passes muster for COPPA.
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