Italy Bans Use Of Facial Recognition Technology, Except For Fighting Crime

Keep your facial recognition algorithms and smart glasses away from Italy, as the country continues to clamp down on the technology, issuing rebukes to two municipalities caught dabbling with such software. 

The city of Lecce and Arezzo were the two cities involved in the matter, with the former planning to roll out facial recognition technology, while the latter wants to equip its police force with infrared smart glasses that could help recognize car number plates. 

According to Reuters, the country’s Data Protection Agency explains that any facial recognition system which makes use of biometric data will not be allowed within the nation till a specific law is drawn up, which could take at least till the end of next year. 

As per the agency, this move to halt the use of facial recognition technology stems from “the need to regulate eligibility requirements.” The only instances where an exception will be made for the burgeoning technology is in the crime-fighting space, such as in judicial investigations. 

WION reports that the privacy watchdog has expressed concerns over the security of these systems, especially since under EU and Italian law, “processing of personal data by public bodies using video devices” is only permitted in cases involving public interests. 

If municipalities across the country hope to go ahead with the deployment of such software, it’s likely they will have to commit to “urban security pacts” with central authorities in the future.  

[via Reuters and WION, cover image via Pixinoo | Dreamstime.com]