Biometric Surveillance Bill Passes in Europe

The European Parliament (EP) passed the AI Act, which many believe allows “law enforcement the introduction of error-prone facial surveillance and facial recognition camera software in public spaces,” as Member of Parliament Patrick Breyer said.

He explained that while the EP claims the Act limits biometric identification, it monitors behavior. “Rather than protecting us from these authoritarian instruments, the AI Act provides an instruction manual for governments to roll out biometric mass surveillance in Europe,” Breyer stated. “As important as it is to regulate AI technology, defending our democracy against being turned into a high-tech surveillance state is not negotiable for us Pirates.”

MEP Marcel Kolaja echoed Breyer’s comments, noting, “The national governments have inserted a section that de facto creates a legal framework for widespread snooping on people by biometric cameras.”

“Such cameras, equipped with artificial intelligence, are able to recognise people’s faces and thus keep track of who has been where, when, and with whom. The AI Act should have banned such an Orwellian tool, but instead it explicitly legalises it.”

The EP claims the Act protects “fundamental rights, democracy, the rule of law and environmental sustainability from high-risk AI, while boosting innovation and establishing Europe as a leader in the field. The regulation establishes obligations for AI based on its potential risks and level of impact.”

One biometric company joined the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) New Champions Community.

Senior Vice President of Strategy at Fingerprint Cards Charles Burgeat said of the new WEF membership, “As a proud member of the WEF New Champions Community program, we want to be recognized as a purpose-driven company that contributes positively to the changes needed to operate in the new digitalized world. By joining this Community, we look forward to brainstorming and exchanging ideas with peers, and bring our expertise of the biometrics industry.”