February 15, 2024
Facial recognition raises dilemma for police
Deputy Police Commissioner Tania Kura says New Zealand needs an open discussion about facial recognition.
Twenty-five New World and Pak’nSave stores across the North Island are trialing facial recognition technology as a way to combat repeat abuse of staff and shoplifting.
Overseas studies indicate the technology is more likely to generate false matches with non-white people, and the Privacy Commission says it will look into the privacy issues involved.
Tania Kura, who is is responsible for day-to-day policing and operations throughout New Zealand , says Police is struggling with facial recognition issues.
“I cna see the benefits and the efficiency that can come and the reassurance it can provide some parts but how do we balance that with individual rights and freedoms to be able to do things so it’s an interesting dilemma for us and I thnk New Zealand probably needs to have that open discussion as well because not everybody sees it the same,” she says.
Ms Kura says Police is also looking at the issues raised around use of body cameras.