The EU could soon be creating a network of national police facial recognition databases. If previous data-sharing arrangements are a guide, the new facial recognition network will likely be connected to similar databases in the U.S., creating what privacy researchers are calling a massive transatlantic consolidation of biometric data.
To the police, the advantages of interlinked facial recognition databases are clear. A report drawn up by the national police forces of 10 EU member recognizes the need for data protection safeguards, such as human verification of any automated matches, but privacy experts argue that the creation of any such system is the first step toward greater sharing and linking of data where such controls are inadequate.
Leaked reports show EU police are planing a pan-European network of facial recognition databases by Zach Campbell, Chris Jones at the Intercept