Authorities in Saxony have developed a surveillance system incorporating high-resolution cameras and real-time facial recognition.
The system, initially kept under wraps, can also record license plates, comparing all collected data against a database of wanted individuals. The technology is currently operational in Saxony, particularly near border regions, and has been used in Berlin for specific investigations.
The Berlin Senate Department for Internal Affairs confirms the use of the Saxony system, acquired via administrative assistance request. The system offers “near-live” biometric comparison, allowing for the rapid identification of individuals matching search criteria. Berlin authorities cite investigations into organized crime activities, such as cross-border vehicle theft and serious robbery, as justification for its use.
The technology is based on Saxony’s Personal Identification System (PerIS).
The use of real-time facial recognition has raisesd privacy concerns and has been a contentious issue during negotiations over the EU’s proposed AI regulation. Berlin authorities base the legality of their use of the system on Section 98a of the Code of Criminal Procedure (StPO). This authorizes dragnet searches in cases of serious offenses, but only when traditional investigative methods are deemed significantly less effective. Dragnet searches involve the collection of data from a wide group of individuals with the aim of uncovering evidence.
Civil liberties and legal experts have argued that the system constitutes an extensive breach of privacy rights for uninvolved individuals. Concerns also exist regarding the potential for Berlin to further normalize and expand the use of such surveillance technology.
Source: Heise Online
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May 6, 2024 — by Ali Nassar-Smith
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