July 29, 2022
Moko could mess up facial software
A Māori data sovereignty advocate is opposing plans by government agencies to use facial recognition technology.
Karaitiana Taiuru says while examining the response to an Official Information Act request on a separate topic, he spotted a plan by the Department of Internal Affairs, Waka Kotahi and the Ministry of Social Development to use driver licence photos in a database for facial recognition tools.
He says the work was being done in secret, despite cabinet papers urging wide consultation with Māori.
Dr Taiuru says apart from questions of permission, there could be significant risks .
“One scenario could be social recognition technologies don’t recognise a person with a moko overseas and you could end up being stuck at the border trying to explain yourself. That’s just one issue that I think is quite obvious to many Māori,” he says.