Research from Milestone Systems
The public largely supports the use of facial recognition technology by police to solve and prevent crimes, including in countries traditionally skeptical of surveillance technologies, such as Denmark. A recent opinion poll highlights that 84% of Danes have a positive attitude towards the technology. However, this support comes with a critical caveat: clear rules to protect data and privacy are essential to maintain trust.
Facial recognition technology is already used in a variety of ways, from analyzing recorded video footage to solving crimes to live identification of individuals, such as spotting unwanted hooligans at football matches. According to a nationally representative survey conducted by Norstat for Danish video technology company Milestone Systems, 84% of Danes support the use of facial recognition to prevent and solve crimes, including terrorism. This support spans across age, gender, and geographic divides.
Transparency and Governance Are Key
While public support is significant, 70% of respondents indicated that establishing clear rules, ensuring data protection, and maintaining transparency about how and where the technology is used are the most critical factors for building trust. Furthermore, 51% believe it is crucial to delete data as soon as it is no longer relevant to an investigation.
“The support for facial recognition also comes with obligations,” says Thomas Jensen, CEO of Milestone Systems. “Politicians and authorities must urgently create clarity around rules, responsibilities, and data protection. While operating within a pilot framework is fine for now, more permanent regulations are needed to ensure the responsible use of this technology.”
Jensen underscores the importance of robust governance and transparency to preserve public trust in both the technology and the authorities overseeing it. He suggests that data retention policies may need strict limitations, proposing a default period of 30-60 days for storage.
A Versatile but Powerful Tool
Facial recognition technology is already embedded in daily life, from unlocking smartphones to navigating passport control. In law enforcement, it serves as a powerful tool for solving and preventing crimes. The survey revealed overwhelming public support for using facial recognition in cases of murder (88%), serious violence and rape (87%), and terrorism (81%).
However, Jensen cautions that technology should not operate in isolation. “Technology is not always perfect,” he notes. “Two trained operators should always verify when the software identifies a potential match, whether it’s a wanted criminal or a banned hooligan at a stadium.”
Building Trust Through Actionable Policies
The survey highlights that trust and public support are contingent on establishing clear guidelines and frameworks. Transparency in how the technology is applied, along with strong governance for data usage, retention, and deletion, are non-negotiable. This sentiment is echoed by the Danish public, with the survey involving 1,027 respondents conducted by Norstat Denmark A/S.
Milestone Systems, headquartered in Brøndby, Denmark, is a leader in data-driven video technology, employing 1,500 people worldwide. Its tools are used globally in airports, policing, traffic management, hospitals, and stadiums, demonstrating the versatility and potential of facial recognition.
Understanding the Technology
Modern facial recognition software uses AI to convert facial images into anonymous signatures. These signatures are matched against databases containing similar anonymous signatures from law enforcement agencies, including the police, Interpol, and the FBI. Matches are flagged for further investigation.
The technology can be applied in two primary ways: post-event analysis, where investigators use recorded footage to identify suspects, and real-time recognition, which enables immediate alerts when a match is found. For example, at large public events like sports matches, real-time recognition can identify banned individuals in real time.
Despite its practical benefits, Jensen emphasizes the need for human oversight and careful implementation. “Clear rules and human judgment must complement technology to ensure its reliability and maintain public trust,” he concludes.
As facial recognition technology becomes increasingly prevalent, the call for clarity and regulation grows louder. Policymakers and authorities must act swiftly to strike a balance between leveraging its benefits and safeguarding individual rights.
