Police Use of Facial Recognition Software: Green Politicians Raise Concerns
August 11, 2024
The German Interior Ministry has proposed a draft law allowing police to use facial recognition software for suspect searches. While the measure aims to aid counterterrorism efforts, it has drawn cautious reactions from Green politicians.
Green politicians express concerns over the potential for privacy violations and the unchecked use of AI technology. The party’s deputy chairman in the Bundestag, Konstantin von Notz, highlighted the coalition agreement’s rejection of biometric recording in public spaces.
The draft law empowers the Federal Criminal Police Office and Federal Police to utilize facial recognition software. This technology would enable investigators to compare online videos of suspected terrorists with social media images to gather clues about their whereabouts.
Law enforcement agencies have long advocated for the use of such tools, citing the recent arrest of a former RAF terrorist as a driving factor. However, the proposed legislation still requires approval from the Cabinet and Bundestag. The ministry clarifies that real-time facial recognition in public spaces is not part of the plan.
Green politicians remain skeptical, raising concerns about the potential for indiscriminate data collection and algorithmic bias. Marcel Emmerich, chairman of the Green parliamentary group in the Interior Committee, emphasizes the need to safeguard the privacy of innocent individuals and prevent the misuse of AI technology.