More than 20 civil rights organizations are urging the European Commission to prioritize human rights in the AI Act’s implementation guidelines. They stress the need for stricter regulations on biometric systems and call for a ban on retrospective biometric identification (RBI). These groups assert that clear definitions and rigorous regulations are essential to prevent misuse and protect marginalized communities.
Over 20 civil rights organizations have urged the European Commission to prioritize human rights in the development of the AI Act guidelines, particularly addressing the use of biometric systems. These guidelines, which are set to dictate the practical applications of the AI Act, focus on highly contentious areas such as remote biometric identification and facial scraping.
The AI Act, effective since August 2022, bans use cases deemed to pose significant risks to fundamental rights, including remote biometric identification based on race or gender. However, exceptions exist for specific scenarios such as law enforcement, which these groups believe should be strictly regulated.
In their communications, the rights groups emphasized that the guidelines should clearly state that remote biometric identification intended for export is encompassed by the ban. They also argued that mere signage indicating surveillance should not be considered adequate for legal compliance.
Additionally, they propose a ban on retrospective biometric identification and suggest that any data captured be stored for a minimum of 24 hours before it can be used. They also cautioned against loopholes that some systems may exploit by claiming not to store actual images.
The organizations called for the biometric categorization ban to encompass new categories like ethnicity and gender identity. They urged lawmakers to delineate clear definitions for emotion recognition technologies to prevent misuse under the guise of health and safety tools.
These proposals aim to avert the potential misuse of technology against marginalized communities and to restrict unlawful mass biometric surveillance practices. The EU is also urged to involve civil society in future consultations, ensuring diverse community representation in the implementation process.
The AI Act represents significant legislation aimed at regulating the use of artificial intelligence within the European Union. Its primary objective is to mitigate risks associated with AI technologies while promoting safe and ethical usage. Biometric systems, including facial recognition and remote identification methods, have generated substantial debate due to their implications for privacy and human rights. Rights groups have highlighted the potential dangers of such technologies, particularly in how they can exacerbate discrimination against vulnerable populations.
The call to action from civil rights groups signifies a crucial push for ethical considerations in the implementation of the AI Act. They emphasize the necessity of including specific rules against biometric surveillance practices that may infringe upon fundamental rights. Ensuring that guidelines are rigorous and comprehensive could lead to a safer and more equitable deployment of AI technologies throughout the EU.
Original Source: www.biometricupdate.com
