In order enhance security and curb crime, our nation’s rail network is implementing advanced AI and facial recognition technology in its CCTV cameras.
Indian Railways to Implement 4K AI-Powered Facial Recognition in Train Coaches Amid Privacy Concerns
4K cameras integrated with AI video analytics from Herta Security, a South Korean firm, shall be installed in the train coaches by the Ministry of Railways.
Initially, these were installed in the major eastern stations and now there are plans to expand the same significantly. In order to ensure comprehensive surveillance, the plan is to outfit 38,255 coaches with 8 cameras each, with varying setups for other coaches.
Real time facial recognition shall be employed by the system in order to monitor the passengers wherein the facial data shall be sent to a central server and the images of all individuals, including children, shall be captured.
It is amid the ongoing debates about privacy and data protection, that the development comes at the time when India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act is still under review.
IDIS Global, a security technology company, and Herta Security are key players in this project. IDIS Global’s systems will provide AI-driven threat alerts and mobile surveillance capabilities, enhancing the efficiency of security operation whereas the facial recognition technology shall be taken from the Herta Security. The latter’s real-time identification and ability to work in diverse conditions, including detecting emotions and gaze direction is industry known.
Concerns Mount Over Facial Recognition Technology in Indian Railways: Privacy and Ethical Issues Raised
However, all is not merry since the critics, which include researchers and privacy advocates, express concern about the potential misuse of such technology.
As per their argument, the facial recognition, as a biometric tool, poses significant privacy risks and could be used for more intrusive surveillance or even undermine democratic freedoms by deterring protests or political participation.
There have also been concerns raised over the lack of legislative framework governing the use of facial recognition, urging for a clear, regulated approach to address privacy and ethical implications.
There is no response yet by the Ministry of Railways on the questions or concerned raised.
