Delhi Police: Facial Recognition Tech Used for Existing Criminal Records, Not Mass Surveillance

• Delhi Police used facial recognition technology during recent protests at Jantar Mantar.
• The technology was deployed to identify individuals with existing criminal records, not for indiscriminate surveillance.
• Police claimed that FRS is a legitimate and proportionate measure to maintain public order and prevent crimes.
• The use of FRS has been brought before the Supreme Court in connection with a plea concerning surveillance measures during protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
• The precedent set by this case may impact future use of facial recognition technology in public order situations.

The facial recognition system does not automatically capture, create, generate or maintain profiles of every individual present at the protest site, nor is it deployed for indiscriminate surveillance or collection of personal information of peaceful protesters unless he has a previous criminal record.

The Delhi Police recently deployed facial recognition technology (FRS) during protests at Jantar Mantar, sparking concerns about indiscriminate surveillance. However, the police have maintained that their use of FRS was limited to identifying individuals with existing criminal records. According to an affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court, the technology only captures the faces of those already booked in previous offenses and does not create profiles of every individual present at the protest site. The police claimed that this measure was taken as a legitimate and proportionate step to maintain public order, prevent crimes, and safeguard life and property of citizens.

The use of FRS by Delhi Police has been brought before the Supreme Court in connection with a plea concerning surveillance measures undertaken during recent protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The Court was informed that the technology is used to identify individuals with serious offenses, excluding petty crimes like traffic challans. The police also stated that the biometrics of such persons are available with the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), which suggests a pre-existing database of criminal records being utilized for FRS purposes.

The deployment of facial recognition technology in public order situations raises significant concerns about indiscriminate surveillance and the potential for abuse. The precedent set by this case may have far-reaching implications for future use of FRS in similar contexts, making it essential for lawyers to closely monitor its development. As the Supreme Court continues to deliberate on the matter, the distinction between legitimate law enforcement measures and excessive surveillance will be crucial in shaping the legal landscape surrounding FRS.

Lawyers should watch for the precedent set by this case, which may impact future use of facial recognition technology in public order situations and the potential for indiscriminate surveillance.

Source: Original reporting via The Hindu