Media alert
The Tech Council of Australia (TCA) today welcomed a new report released by the Human Technology Institute on a potential regulatory model to encourage the responsible development and use of Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) in Australia.
Responsible and well designed use of FRT can offer significant benefits to consumers and the economy, as demonstrated by SmartGates at airports or smartphone security features.
However, there are also potentially harmful uses of the technology which are generating concern in the community, and creating risks and uncertainty for industry.
The Human Technology Institute, based out of the University of Technology Sydney, has recommended the adoption of model laws in Australia that would apply proportionate and risk-based requirements on organisations seeking to develop and use FRT.
TCA CEO Kate Pounder says that now is the right time for Australia to start a discussion on how to appropriately regulate FRT to protect consumers, while enabling responsible use and innovation.
“Tech companies are looking for greater certainty and guidance on how they can safely, responsibly and ethically develop and use facial recognition technology for the benefit of Australian consumers and the economy.”
“The Tech Council supports well-designed regulation and standards and we welcome the release of the report as an important milestone in defining what an Australian model law FRT framework could look like, and the principles that should guide it,” said Ms Pounder.
“In particular, we strongly support a nationally consistent model of FRT regulation given many applications of FRT will be rolled-out nationwide or in multiple states and territories.”
This report by the Human Technology Institute takes account of the TCA’s regulatory principles of clear, timely, proportionate, risk-based and interoperable regulation.
“The Tech Council thanks Professor Edward Santow, Professor Nicholas Davis and Lauren Perry at the Human Technology Institute for their work and for engaging the Tech Council on the expert reference group. We welcome further dialogue with the Government on next steps.” Ms Pounder said.
