Controversial Facial Recognition Search Engine Tested by Australian Federal Police

New documents obtained under freedom of information laws reveal that the Australian federal police have tested a controversial facial recognition search engine for potential operational use. 

The tests involved connections between AFP devices and websites PimEyes and FaceCheck.ID. While the AFP initially claimed that only a small number of members accessed these platforms for professional development and assessment purposes, during Senate estimates it was revealed that the platform may have been tested for operational use on several occasions. 

The AFP is now investigating these instances and ensuring that such uses do not occur again. Critics have raised concerns about the use of PimEyes, citing its potential for unlawful surveillance and stalking. This incident follows a previous finding by the Australian privacy commissioner, which concluded that the AFP had failed to comply with privacy obligations in using a similar facial recognition platform.

- CyberBeat