Dubai is will start using facial recognition on public transport to increase security, officials said as per AFP, as UAE prepares for the global Expo exhibition.?
"This technology has proven its effectiveness to identify suspicious and wanted people," said Obaid al-Hathboor, director of Dubai's Transport Security Department.?
There's already a biometric system using facial recognition at the international airport.?
Dubai aims to be a technology and artificial intelligence hub.?
"We aspire to raise our performance by building on our current capabilities, to ensure a high level of security in metro stations and other transport sectors," added Hathboor.?
Earlier in the week, under Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed's supervision, used facial recognition in a simulation to find out the identity of gunmen attacking a metro station.?
A special police unit that underwent training in USA, helped "evacuate" commuters during the 'attack', before they took custody of the 'suspects'.?
The expo was delayed due to COVID, and will open in October 2021.?
15 million visitors were expected before the pandemic struck.?
"It took at least five hours to identify a suspect before," said Jamal Rashed of Dubai Police's Transport Security Department.?
"With this technology, it takes less than a minute," he added.?
But it has raised the issue of privacy.?
Berlin-based advocacy group AlgorithmWatch claims at least 10 European police forces use this technology, something privacy and rights groups are worried about.?
China has also drawn flack for its facial rec systems in the public surveillance network.?