Yukon’s New Traffic Safety Act Includes Biometric Privacy Amendments

Yukon’s Legislative Assembly has passed the new Traffic Safety Act with a narrow vote of 10-8, following amendments that address privacy concerns surrounding facial recognition technology and offer clearer protections for vulnerable road users. The bill, introduced by Highways Minister Nils Clarke, marks a significant update to Yukon’s traffic regulations, replacing the previous act from 1977.

The legislation comes amid growing global debate over the use of facial recognition in law enforcement. According to recent European studies, approximately 75 percent of Europeans support the use of AI technologies for law enforcement purposes, despite strict privacy regulations.

A Yukon government press release outlines the primary provisions of the new act, which include stricter penalties for traffic violations and escalating consequences for repeat offenders. The support from both the governing Liberals and their coalition partners, the Yukon NDP, reflects their shared commitment to road safety measures, while addressing privacy concerns that have emerged in other jurisdictions implementing similar technologies.

Official Opposition MLA Stacey Hassard highlighted the privacy commissioner’s involvement, noting parallels to recent international discussions about the protection of biometric data. The Yukon Party’s concerns mirror broader debates about facial recognition implementation, particularly regarding data storage and access controls.

Yukon NDP Leader Kate White supported the amendments, viewing the collaborative effort to strengthen the legislation as a positive aspect of governance. The Association of Yukon Communities has endorsed the use of red-light cameras as a safety measure, following trends in other jurisdictions where automated enforcement technologies have been implemented.

The new legislation incorporates privacy safeguards similar to those being adopted in other regions. These protections align with emerging standards for biometric data handling, as governments worldwide grapple with balancing public safety and individual privacy rights. Minister Clarke emphasized that extensive consultation informed these privacy provisions.

The Traffic Safety Act’s passage represents a significant modernization of Yukon’s approach to traffic management, incorporating contemporary safety standards while addressing growing concerns about surveillance technology and data protection. The legislation aims to adapt to evolving technology while maintaining strong privacy protections for Yukon residents.

Sources: Yukon News

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October 31, 2024 – by Ali Nassar-Smith