Background & Purpose
To better solve serious crimes and protect people in danger, the government proposed giving the police access to modern AI tools. While most parties supported the move, some expressed concerns regarding privacy and individual rights.
The Decision
The parliament approved the use of real-time AI facial recognition for the police, provided that the use is necessary and authorized by a prosecutor or court.
Does this affect you?
- Police officers: They gain a new, powerful technical tool to track suspects and locate victims in high-stakes situations.
- Victims of serious crime: Individuals who are kidnapped or missing may be found faster through the use of real-time identification technology.
- Suspects of serious crimes: Individuals suspected of major offenses face a higher risk of being identified and located in public spaces by the police.
In Practice
- Police can use AI to find missing persons who are suspected victims of human trafficking, kidnapping, or exploitation.
- The technology may be used to stop individuals who pose an immediate threat to the lives or safety of others.
- AI can be used to track suspects of serious crimes that carry a prison sentence of at least four years.
- AI can be used to locate individuals already convicted of such serious crimes for the purpose of enforcing their sentence.
- In urgent situations, police can start using the technology immediately but must seek formal approval from a prosecutor or court within 24 hours.