French national police accused of illegally using facial recognition

The French national police were accused of secretly and illegally using facial recognition technology since 2015, sparking significant controversy and calls for an independent investigation. 

The French national police quietly started using Israeli company BriefCam's Video Synposis facial recognition software since 2015, according to non-profit journalist outfit Disclose. The software, which allows for broad, one-to-many facial matching with minimal oversight, was reportedly installed in multiple police stations, including Paris and Marseilles. 

The use of facial recognition violates French and European law, including the country's Informatics and Freedom Law and the EU's General Data Protection Act, which prohibit biometric identification systems and facial recognition techniques in most circumstances. 

The discovery prompted concerns about mass surveillance and infringements on individual liberties and privacy, with France's police and the Ministry of the Interior accused of opacity and inadequate accountability. Critics claimed the use of facial recognition occurred without necessary data impact assessments or judicial oversight.

French politicians, particularly from the La France Insoumise party, called for legal action and a parliamentary inquiry, and the Interior Minister ordered an administrative investigation to establish the facts.

The case highlighted the need for ethical considerations and transparency in the use of AI and biometric technologies in law enforcement.