Evolving police tech or a 'slippery slope?

Facial recognition partnership in Peel and York regions has critics concerned over privacy

- EMILY FAGAN

Several U.S. cities have banned facial recognition software, but it is widely unregulated in Canada. The move this week by York and Peel police is part of a growing effort by police services to use AI and facial recognition to investigate and prevent crime.

Experts say a partnership between Peel and York police to use facial recognition to search mug shots for matches with crime scene photos contributes to over-policing minority groups, violates privacy and poses a risk of misidentification.

While not the first GTA police service to use facial recognition technology for investigations, this move by York and Peel police, launched Monday, is part of a growing effort by police services across North America to use AI and facial recognition technology to investigate and prevent crime.

Many U.S. cities have banned facial recognition software, but it remains widely unregulated in Canada.

“We are deeply concerned by the introduction of those tools. Facial recognition technology threatens individuals’ privacy rights, their right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure and some of their fundamental freedoms,” said Anaïs Bussières McNicoll, director of the fundamental freedoms program for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, adding that it puts Charter rights at risk.

“There is also a widespread inaccuracy issue that poses heightened risks to equity-deserving communities.”

Until there is legislation addressing these risks, McNicoll said the CCLA believes facial recognition technology shouldn’t be used.