ITALY OUTLAWS FACIAL RECOGNITION TECH, RESTRICTS USE TO FIGHTING CRIME

Tue 15 November 2022:

On Monday, the use of facial recognition technologies, a new method of security, was banned in Italy. The Data Protection Agency, the country’s privacy watchdog, reprimanded two towns for testing with facial recognition technology and ‘smart glasses.’

It ordered that its usage be prohibited until a particular law is passed, which it stated may not happen until the end of next year, according to Euro News.

Facial recognition systems help validate a user’s identification, although smart glasses can be useful for visually impaired people due to the AI incorporated in them. These devices can extract various types of data from photographs and then speak it back to users.

However, there is an exception to the imposed ban. If the use of the tech is required to support judicial investigations or fight crimes, these biometric data-based systems can still be used. The agency in a statement said, “The moratorium arises from the need to regulate eligibility requirements, conditions and guarantees relating to facial recognition, in compliance with the principle of proportionality.”

Expressing concerns over the security of these systems, the watchdog highlighted that under EU and Italian law, the processing of personal data by public bodies using video devices is generally allowed on only public interest grounds. It further suggested if municipalities want to use these systems, they will have to meet “urban security pacts” with central government representatives.

The two municipalities under consideration for the intended application of these technologies are Lecce in southern Italy and Arezzo in Tuscany. According to the authorities, the Lecce municipality will begin utilizing facial recognition technology, whereas the Tuscan police will be equipped with infrared super glasses that can recognize car license plates.

The watchdog has ordered the municipality of Lecce to submit information regarding the systems in use, as well as their roles and legality. The watchdog is also looking for a list of databases accessed by its surveillance devices.

Recently, facial recognition technologies found another use in Australia in the form of a solution provider to combat gambling addiction. Facial recognition software is used to identify addicts who have been asked to be excluded from betting sites at the Warilla Hotel in eastern Australia.

Supporters argue that it will help to reduce the country’s gambling issue, which affects approximately 1% of the population and causes annual losses in the billions of dollars, according to Al Jazeera.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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