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ARTICLE · 06 OCTOBER 2022

Facial recognition technology: a model law

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The University of Technology Sydney, Human Technology Institute, proposes a model law for facial recognition technology.

AustraliaPrivacy
Philip Catania
Philip Catania
Claire Allen
Claire Allen
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Amidst growing concerns about privacy and mass surveillance, a new report published by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Human Technology Institute outlines a model law for facial recognition technology.

The report, Facial Recognition Technology: towards a model law, recommends that facial recognition technology be formally assessed for potential harms before deployment and, in certain circumstances, prohibited. A public register of deployed facial recognition technology has also been recommended.

A risk-based approach

Facial recognition technology (FRT) includes any computer system or device with embedded functionality that uses biometric data to verify someone's identity, to identify an individual or to analyse characteristics about a person. Personal information involved in the use of this technology is regulated under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act), where biometric templates and biometric information are considered 'sensitive information'

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