System dubbed ‘the capability’ processes Australians’ information whether they are crime suspects or notCivil rights groups have warned a vast, powerful system allowing the near real-time matching of citizens’ facial images risks a “profound chilling effect” on protest and dissent. Dutton's facial recognition scheme could target jaywalkers, lawyer warns Read moreBut it has prompted serious concern among academics, human rights groups and privacy experts. Home affairs department assistant secretary, Andrew Rice, said identity crime was impacting on one in four Australians in their lifetime. “Identity crime causes substantial harm to the economy and individuals each year and is a key enabler of terrorism and serious and organised crime,” he said. The database will be accessible to federal, state and territory governments through a central hub connecting the various photographic identity databases.

Source: The Guardian November 07, 2018 06:00 UTC