GeoSnapShot FAQ 

This webpage aims to clarify the GeoSnapShot terms and conditions, privacy policy, and their application with Edge Imaging. At Edge Imaging, we work with all third-party vendors to ensure that stringent privacy and security protocols are consistently upheld. 

How does GeoSnapShot work? 

GeoSnapShot is a photography event site that enables photographers to upload photos for event attendees, and enables attendees to view the photos that include their image.  Here’s how it works: 

1. Photographers upload event photographs to the site specific to the event. 

2. Attendees receive a website to access and take a selfie for identification and validation purposes. 

3. The selfie is used to instantly identify which photos they appear in, and present only these images to the attendee. 

4. The selfie image is immediately deleted and is not stored or saved.  It is used only for a “match/no match” flagging of images.  The reason for the selfie upload is so that all attendees do not have access to all images, but only the ones that they appear in. 

How does facial identification work? 

When the event photos are uploaded, GeoSnapShot uses Amazon Web Services (AWS) Facial Identification algorithms to pinpoint key identifiable facial features for the event photos, and this biometric data is commonly referred to as facial geometry. When the selfie is uploaded, it instantly matches photos containing the same facial geometry and presents those photos to the attendee. 

What is biometric data? 

Biometric data refers to unique facial geometry that can be used to identify an individual. Biometric data is increasingly used in various applications, such as unlocking smartphones, accessing secure facilities, and verifying identities.   Only the event photos, and the biometric data (see sample below), are stored in the event website 

This is an example of what unencrypted biometric data looks like for the purpose of secure facial matching for photo retrieval. It is important to note that this biometric data is always encrypted when stored.

Does GeoSnapShot store or save the uploaded selfie? 

No. the selfie is used to instantly create a “match/no match” to the event photos and presents only matching images to the viewer.  The selfie is not retained or stored. 

Why does GeoSnapShot use AI-powered facial matching? 

Facial matching was implemented as a security measure, to ensure that attendees could only view images in which they appeared.  Other event sites present all images to anyone with a code, so facial matching is considered a more secure alternative. 

Is the GeoSnapShot site safe and secure? 

Yes. GeoSnapShot is dedicated to ensuring the privacy and security of biometric data and Personally Identifiable Information. 

With global attention on biometric privacy and varying regional regulations, we emphasize our commitment to compliance and user control. 

GeoSnapShot’s partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) guarantees robust and reliable technology, including facial recognition technology. 

If parents are not comfortable uploading a selfie of their child, is there another way that they can access the photos? 

At this time there is no other method to access the photos online; however, parents could request that Edge Imaging prints all the photos and sends them to the school for distribution.  We are currently analyzing alternative methods of access, to ensure that parents can access photos securely. 

However, it is important to understand that the selfie image is not retained; it is simply used as an instant “match/no match” for event photos.  Other attendees cannot access your child’s images (unless they also appear in a group photo). 

Does Amazon Web Services retain the image that was analyzed, and if so, where is it stored and for how long? 

No, the image is retained by GeoSnapShot.  We believe photos are important memories of students’ lives. Photos are available at any time and are not automatically deleted. The image analyzed (the event image), can be requested to be removed through your school. Photos that can been purchased cannot be removed. 

Are all photos and data stored in Canada? 

Yes, as part of Edge Imaging’s agreement with GeoSnapShot, “all PII images and data stored in GeoSnapShot by Edge Imaging are stored on servers in Canada with no student PII data crossing borders”.  No other personal information is required or requested until the checkout process. Data used to process checkout is stored on AWS servers in the United States. 

GeoSnapShot’s main server that supports the website is held with AWS in the US.  In addition, there may be additional software tools in the US which collect anonymous information such as Google Analytics, and Intercom (used for customer support). 

Is there any other data that is captured by GeoSnapShot? 

Yes.  If attendees choose to purchase an image, then name, email and credit card information is requested.  This information, and only this information, is stored on a US server. 

Biometric data (see example above) from the event photos is stored on AWS Facial Recognition Service servers in Canada, but contains only facial geometry metadata of the photos, and does not store the photos themselves.  This metadata is comprised of measurements and attributes that identifies unique facial geometry, but no other personally identifiable information. 

At no point is student or subject information, or school/sponsoring organization information directly linked to the photos. 

Edge Imaging cameras are not configured to capture geo-location, nor do these cameras have GPS chips. 

How long does GeoSnapShot store the data? 

Transactional data (name, email address and credit card) is stored indefinitely, but can be deleted upon user request.  Photo data is stored indefinitely but can be deleted by Edge Imaging upon the request of the event sponsoring organization. 

Does GeoSnapShot comply with Canadian privacy regulations? 

Yes, GeoSnapShot complies with PIPEDA legislation.

Does GeoSnapShot use uploaded images to “train or refine” the AI software? 

No, it does not.  It simply provides a “match/no match” for security verification. 

Can an event attendee request the removal of their photo? 

Yes.  Edge Imaging can redact (prevent the photo from being presented, to protect a student whose parents have not agreed to media access) or delete a photo upon request.  The attendee would have to send a selfie to the event sponsoring organization (i.e. school), who would forward it to Edge’s administrator for redaction or deletion. 

Can an event attendee request the removal of an entire group photo in which they appear? 

The school/ event sponsor would have to initiate this request to Edge Imaging. 

Does Edge Imaging collect authorization from each attendee to allow this service? 

No, Edge Imaging works with schools who request event photography and ensure that they are aware of the technology being used. 

Does Edge Imaging or GeoSnapShot sell the images to anyone other than the attendees and/or the event sponsoring organization? 

No. The distribution of images is available only to attendees and the event sponsoring organizations/schools.  Furthermore, facial matching technology helps ensure that only a photographed subject can see the photographs in which they appear. 

How reliable is facial identification technology?

Facial identification technology is very good but of course no technology is perfect.  The program is designed to not present a photograph if there is not a good match, which means an attendee may not see every photograph where they appear.  This is part of the security protocol. 

Should you have any additional questions, please contact Edge Imaging Privacy Officer at privacyofficer@edgeimaging.ca