Vancouver considers finding riot suspects via face recognition technology
26 July, 2011
category: Biometrics, Government
Following an offer from the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) to use its database of driver license photographs and face recognition technology to help in tracking down those suspected in being involved in the Vancouver riots following their loss in the NHL Stanley Cup finals this year, British Columbia’s privacy commissioner, Elizabeth Denham, has launched an investigation into how ICBC is sharing its private data, according to a CBC News article.
Chiefly among her concerns are that the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act prohibits a government agency from collecting information for one purpose, such as a driver licenses and using it for another without due process from the police legally requesting specific data.
Until the investigation is complete Denham has approved the use of the data, but only under a police court order. ICBC officials have publicly stated that they fully intend to cooperate with the investigation to the fullest extent and officials from the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association have voiced support for the investigation.
Read the full story here.