Question : Facial Recognition Technology

(a) the number of Facial Recognition Technology(FRT) systems currently being utilized by the Central and State Governments;

(b) whether any guidelines have been given to police forces to prevent the use of FRT for unauthorized surveillance of citizens,

(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether any study has been conducted by any central agency to determine the accuracy of Facial Recognition Systems currently in use by the Government, and if so, the details of the same?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

(a) to (d): ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. The responsibilities to maintain law and order, protection of life and property of the citizens including investigation and prosecution of crime rest with the respective State Governments. The State Governments are competent to deal with such offences under the extant provisions of laws. Further, the use of electronic


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L.S.US.Q.NO.191 FOR 02.02.2021


record and information, manner of collection and storage of personal data including facial recognition, are regulated by the Information Technology Act, 2000, and Rules framed thereunder. Further, the accuracy of Facial Recognition System is a function of technology deployed. No data is maintained centrally in this regard.
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