Facial Recognition Technology Information Hub
What is FRT?
Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) is a class of technologies that uses biometric measurements of a person’s face (either live or from a photograph or video) and compares those measurements to those of a face in another photograph or video. The purpose can be identification verification, such as the kiosks at airports that compare the person standing in front of the machine to the image on their passport, or the comparison that allows you to unlock your phone with your face. Another purpose is to identify a person whose identity is not known, for instance the suspect of a crime. This latter use compares the facial measurements of the image of the unidentified person with a reference database of images of identified persons, looking for possible matches. This website is designed to provide information about this second type of FRT.
What is the Facial Recognition Hub?
This website helps you locate information on how Canadian government, civil society organizations (such as civil liberties advocacy groups) and police services are talking about police use of FRT. The Resource Library contains key documents produced by a variety of Canadian institutions and organizations that examine the risks and benefits of FRT use, and suggest ways that police use could be restricted, guided, and/or subjected to oversight in a way that preserves important rights to privacy and freedom from discrimination, and ensures accountability to the public. You can browse materials directly by clicking on the Resource Library tab, click on keywords in the head graphic above, or enter a search term in the search bar.
Facts you need to know...
Public Concerns
Facial recognition technology (FRT) used by police has sparked controversy due to concerns about privacy, bias, and potential misuse.
FRT Types
There are different types of FRT which have attracted varying levels of scrutiny – some have been deemed less concerning and are in use by some Canadian police services, while others are prohibited.
Police Policies
Some Canadian police services have policies distinguishing between acceptable and unacceptable uses of FRT. However, public consultation and community involvement in shaping these policies remain inconsistent.
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Our Collaborators
This website draws on research supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
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