The approval was granted under Section 7(4) of the Danish Data Protection Act, which permits the processing of sensitive biometric data in cases of substantial public interest. FC Copenhagen will use the technology to identify individuals subject to stadium bans and to support broader safety measures. The authorization specifically applies to FC Copenhagen matches, including training games and matches held under UEFA auspices, but excludes non-football events such as concerts—even if they take place at the same venue.
The rollout of facial recognition will cover key touchpoints including stadium entry gates, internal monitoring systems, and temporary or mobile facilities associated with the club.
To ensure privacy compliance, FC Copenhagen is required to conduct formal data protection impact assessments before any processing begins. Additionally, video surveillance images may be retained for no longer than 30 days. These measures reflect Denmark’s cautious, rights-based approach to biometric deployments.
At the time of writing, the approval does not extend to international football matches. The Agency is still reviewing whether facial recognition can be justified for such games, and no final determination has been made. This limitation underscores the incremental nature of biometric policy in Denmark, even as the country invests in modernizing its broader security infrastructure.
While FC Copenhagen’s system is one of the most wide-reaching in Danish football, it is not the first. Brøndby IF previously received permission to implement facial recognition at matches as early as 2019. However, FC Copenhagen’s deployment is more extensive in scope and marks a significant milestone in the normalization of biometric surveillance in sports settings.
This development aligns with broader European and global trends. Countries worldwide have begun introducing facial recognition at sports venues, including the United States, where stadiums like BMO Stadium in Los Angeles use biometric entry and concession systems. Denmark, for its part, has already moved toward biometric modernization in other domains, such as its border control partnership with IDEMIA.
As regulators continue to evaluate the implications of facial recognition, FC Copenhagen’s case may serve as a model—or cautionary tale—for clubs and countries weighing the trade-offs between public safety and individual privacy.
Sources: Telecompaper, 365trust
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May 2, 2025 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team
