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Rome wants to increase security in subways, but plans for facial recognition cameras are causing criticism. Data protection officers express their concerns.
Rome – Tourists are often considered easy targets for pickpockets. In many European cities, there are warnings about pickpocketing and robbery, especially on public transport – including in Rome. In order to better combat crimes in the subway, the city plans to intensify surveillance. However, reports of cameras with facial recognition are sparking a heated controversy.
In the future, cameras at subway stations in Rome will be equipped with new systems that will detect “suspicious actions.” (Symbolic image) © Jan Woitas/dpa
Cameras in Rome are supposed to “check improper behavior” – data protection advocates are alarmed
In recent days, several Italian media outlets have reported on the planned installation of facial recognition cameras in subways and on train platforms. These cameras will be able to “verify improper behavior” and identify people who have carried out “non-compliant actions” in the past, according to Italy ANSA news agency. The news caused great excitement, and data protection officers also expressed concerns. They have now sent a request to the city of Rome for more information about the planned facial recognition.
The data protection commissioners have reminded the city that the installation or use of facial recognition systems with biometric data is prohibited until December 31, 2025, with the exception of judicial authorities.
City of Rome says facial recognition is a misunderstanding – it only records “suspicious actions”.
The city of Rome has made a statement to ANSA trying to clear up a misunderstanding: it is working on a cybersecurity system that can detect certain behaviors using “already existing cameras on the platform, but with new applications”. Facial recognition is not planned. The new technology is said to be able to identify “violent, suspicious acts”. Examples include pushing against other passengers, attacks on women or leaving bags behind. Also Falls on the tracks, like the one that recently happened to a ten-year-old child in Munichshould be recognized.
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The city assures that all necessary permits will be obtained. She is aware that facial recognition may not be installed until 2025. The recognition of the “suspicious actions” should enable the security forces to intervene quickly, the city of Rome said in a statement to the news agency after the excitement in the Italian media. However, there are also other strange laws in Italythat tourists should know.
Artificial intelligence in public transport: Already in use in London
The intelligent systems, which will soon ensure more safety on the subways in Rome, are already being used at a subway station in London, according to the magazine Wired reported a few months ago. One checks there artificial intelligence aggressive behavior, whether people are carrying a weapon or trying to drive without a ticket. Data protection officers in Great Britain also expressed concerns because a quick hand movement was apparently enough to trigger a warning about aggressive behavior.
Last year, the Meta group received a billion-dollar fine for disregarding user data protection. (living)