The government’s headlong rush to introduce facial recognition technology (FRT) without adequate safeguards or transparency is deeply concerning, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon.
Deputy Gannon, the party’s Dublin Central TD and spokesperson on justice, said:
“This week’s comments from the Minister for Justice about the ‘well advanced’ work on introducing facial recognition technology are a glaring red flag. Once again, the government is ploughing ahead with a highly sensitive and potentially invasive technology without ensuring there are proper checks and balances in place.
“The use of facial recognition by the State has serious implications for civil liberties. And yet, instead of engaging in meaningful consultation, or responding in detail to serious concerns raised by experts, the Minister has chosen to keep the public in the dark about how this technology will be used, governed, and scrutinised.
“Experts have repeatedly highlighted the dangers of rolling out facial recognition systems without robust oversight. Their warnings are stark: error rates in these systems are highly variable and depend on multiple factors, such as poor lighting and obstructed faces.
“This is not some theoretical risk – it’s a real and present danger to people’s rights. Misidentifications could have life-altering consequences, especially for already marginalised communities.
“The Minister’s failure to outline how this technology will be regulated, audited, or subject to independent oversight is unacceptable. If we get this wrong, it will damage public trust in both policing and the justice system more broadly.
“This government has a pattern of pushing ahead with legislation while ignoring calls for caution. It must stop. We need a full public debate on the scope, use, and oversight of facial recognition technology before any rollout begins – not after it’s already been quietly implemented.
“The public deserves transparency, accountability, and the assurance that their rights are not being traded away behind closed doors. Anything less is a betrayal of democratic values.”
April 25, 2025