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Gauteng Government Plans Facial Recognition Cameras to Fight Crime

Published

11 months ago

June 28, 2023

In an ongoing effort to tackle crime in Gauteng, the provincial government is considering the implementation of facial recognition cameras. Premier Panyaza Lesufi initially mentioned the concept during his State of the Province Address in February, and now plans are underway to bring this technology to fruition as reported by Eyewitness News.

The proposed facial recognition cameras will be integrated into a centralised command centre, serving as the hub for collecting and analysing data gathered by the cameras. The government has already initiated a pilot phase, strategically placing these cameras in areas with high crime rates.

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Vuyo Mhaga, a spokesperson for the Gauteng premier, explained that the surveillance system allows authorities to monitor criminal activities in specific locations. The command centre can promptly direct crime wardens and police to respond to incidents identified through the cameras’ surveillance.

However, tech expert Doreen Mokoena pointed out that while the biometric system is generally effective, there have been occasional glitches. One concern is the potential misidentification of individuals, particularly among people of colour. Governments worldwide have grappled with this issue, acknowledging the challenges faced in accurately profiling individuals using such technology.

Although the introduction of facial recognition cameras may be viewed as a positive step, it’s worth noting that some countries have chosen to move away from their use due to concerns surrounding privacy and discrimination. These factors add complexity to the decision-making process and highlight the need for careful consideration and implementation of the technology.

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