The forced taking of photos by border authorities is also a means of criminalisation and mass surveillance, similar to the collection of personal information. These photographs may be taken without consent, under coercion, and without the person knowing what their photo will be used for why it is being taken.
This practise violates international privacy law, particularly the right to privacy and the protection of personal data in Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Photos taken, without explanation or transparency, are neither about documentation nor security – it is a means of control, and a consolidation of state intimidation.