Kazakhstan Launches Facial Recognition System in Astana and Almaty for Public Safety

Kazakhstan has launched a facial recognition system in the cities of Astana and Almaty, marking a significant advancement in the nation’s public safety and surveillance infrastructure. The initiative comes as part of Kazakhstan’s broader push toward digital infrastructure modernization, which includes plans for a centralized national system for remote biometric authentication.

The system, developed through collaboration between the Ministry of Internal Affairs, National Security Committee, and Ministry of Digital Development, incorporates multiple capabilities including face recognition, abandoned object detection, and vehicle identification.

The implementation focuses on high-traffic areas including railway stations, airports, hotels, streets, intersections, and shopping malls. The system has already demonstrated practical applications, successfully helping authorities locate lost children and missing persons during the World Nomad Games in Astana. Additionally, the technology has aided in the apprehension of 46 wanted individuals in Astana and 30 in Almaty, according to authorities.

This initiative is part of a broader global trend toward AI-integrated “smart city” systems, similar to those implemented in China, Russia, and various European countries. While some nations are expanding their surveillance capabilities, others are beginning to recognize and implement limits on facial recognition technology, particularly in sectors like tourism. Kazakhstan’s surveillance network currently encompasses over 1.3 million video cameras, with 310,000 connected to operational control centers and police duty stations.

The system’s deployment represents a significant step in Kazakhstan’s smart city development strategy, aimed at enhancing public safety and law enforcement capabilities. While the technology offers potential benefits for crime reduction and emergency response, its implementation has prompted discussions regarding privacy considerations and civil liberties. These concerns mirror global debates about the balance between security and privacy in digital surveillance systems.

Source: TimesCA

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November 21, 2024 – by Ali Nassar-Smith