Hungary’s Facial Recognition System: Concerns Over Real-Time Surveillance
The use of facial recognition technology in Hungary has raised significant concerns regarding privacy and human rights. The system, reliant on still images, can identify individuals exclusively through Hungarian photo IDs, as it cross-references images with a biometric profile registry managed by the Hungarian Institute for Forensic Sciences (HIFS), reports 24brussels.
The biometric registry does not include actual photographs but rather a “biometric identifier,” according to the Hungarian Council for Civil Liberties. This has drawn scrutiny from various rights groups.
In their legal analysis, advocates argue that police possess the capability to access HIFS systems directly, enabling real-time comparisons between captured images and biometric identifiers. This process conforms to the AI Act’s criteria for real-time operations, defined as “without significant delay.”
HIFS has not provided a response regarding the implications of its facial recognition system.
A government spokesperson stated in April that they believe their practices align with constitutional provisions and EU legislation, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to legal compliance.
The upcoming Pride event in Budapest is anticipated to draw several high-profile European politicians, including Equality Commissioner Hadja Lahbib and Spain’s Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun, among others. Their participation sparks a broader conversation about civil liberties, surveillance, and the rights of individuals in Hungary amidst growing scrutiny of the government’s technological initiatives.
