As Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael engage in discussions to form Ireland’s next government, the contentious issue of facial recognition technology (FRT) in policing is once again taking centre stage. Plans to integrate FRT into the operations of An Garda Síochána are already on the agenda, positioning this topic as a potential flashpoint in political and public discourse in the upcoming months.
Recently, a public Think-In event titled “Facing the Future: Let’s Talk Facial Recognition Technology” was held at The Digital Hub as part of the Beta Festival. Co-organised by Dr. Ciara Bracken-Roche and Dr. Emma Clarke from the ADAPT Research Ireland Centre for AI-Driven Digital Content Technology, the event aimed to provide a forum for experts and citizens to evaluate the implications of FRT on Irish society critically.
The session featured key contributions from Daniel Kahn Gillmor, Senior Staff Technologist at the ACLU, and Olga Cronin, Senior Policy Officer at the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL). Both experts expressed significant concerns regarding the technology, particularly focusing on the risk of bias within FRT systems, threats to individual privacy, and broader implications for civil liberties.
Participants engaged in discussions about practical applications of FRT, such as identifying suspects in vandalism cases or tracking down hit-and-run drivers. These conversations illuminated the complex ethical and practical challenges surrounding the responsible use of FRT in law enforcement.
Adding an artistic dimension to the debate, the Think-In showcased “Calculating Empires,” an immersive research visualisation created by Kate Crawford and Vladan Joler. This artwork examines the evolution of technological systems and societal structures over centuries, providing a compelling lens through which to understand the current surveillance landscape.
This discussion emerges during a period of significant political transformation. The emerging government’s stance on FRT will likely indicate Ireland’s broader strategy for balancing technological innovation with the safeguarding of civil rights. The urgency of this issue was underscored last year when the government proposed the use of FRT for addressing serious crimes, such as riots and violent disturbances, following unrest in Dublin.
Proponents of FRT argue that it could enhance Garda efficiency by expediting video analysis during investigations. However, critics, including the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, caution against the dangers of mass surveillance and the potential for erroneous identifications that could disproportionately impact vulnerable communities. Consequently, there is a growing demand for robust safeguards and thorough legislative oversight regarding the use of FRT.
With public trust, privacy, and security at stake, the debate surrounding facial recognition technology is poised to remain a prominent issue as the next government establishes its priorities. Researchers from ADAPT are actively addressing these challenges, with Dr. Abeba Birhane and Dr. Ciara Bracken-Roche providing expert testimonies for the Oireachtas’ Joint Committee on Justice. They have co-authored influential opinion pieces warning that granting An Garda Síochána extensive FRT capabilities risks creating “roaming surveillance units” and could lead to significant issues if implemented without stringent safeguards.
ADAPT’s focus on trustworthy AI aims to ensure that emerging technologies, including FRT, are developed and deployed ethically, transparently, and with public trust at the forefront. As the debate continues, it is clear that the future of FRT in policing will require careful consideration of its implications for society.
