Facial recognition is used not only by the private sector. Its evolution has attracted the public sector too, especially law enforcement and border management. This has generated many debates on the impact on human rights. Public safety and expression of consent by people are classic justifications behind the use of such identification technology. But questions remain: Is it necessary? Is it the best/right remedy? Is it proportional? Is it effective? And, ultimately, is the expressed consent informed consent?

On 22 June 2022, Desara Dushi will deliver a lecture on The use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement: fundamental rights implications at the DCAF Young Faces 2022, an educational program on Cybersecurity Governance for young leaders in the Western Balkans.

In this lecture, she will explain how is facial recognition technology currently used by law enforcement, what are the fundamental rights implications of the use of such technology and whether its deployment can be considered as justified interference with human rights. Furthermore, she will explain the current regulation of the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement agencies in EU and how will the proposed AI Act impact law enforcement activities once entered into force.