Hong Kong's safety could benefit from the adoption of cutting-edge law enforcement technology, argues this opinion piece.
Hong Kong Steps Up its Game with Facial Recognition Technology
Hong Kong is making strides in the adoption of smart policing technology, with a focus on implementing facial recognition technology within its law enforcement surveillance system. By the end of 2025, the city aims to activate facial recognition capabilities across more than 3,000 SmartView CCTV cameras. This move will enable real-time identification of suspects and missing persons, thanks to AI-powered identity detection.
The police have also planned an extensive expansion of SmartView surveillance, targeting the installation of around 2,000 new cameras annually through 2027. By then, they hope to reach roughly 6,000 sets of cameras citywide, which equates to over 15,000 cameras in total. Trials of facial recognition capabilities on mobile cameras mounted on patrol cars have already begun, further enhancing the police's reach.
In contrast, London’s Metropolitan Police has a more mature and extensive facial recognition deployment. As of 2023, they operated with approximately 4,000 fixed cameras, and millions of faces were scanned live annually, with around 5 million scans in England and Wales the previous year. London’s facial recognition has been integrated for several years, supporting widespread real-time law enforcement identification across city areas.
Hong Kong is essentially catching up to cities like London, which have more established infrastructures and longer experience using facial recognition technology in law enforcement. The Hong Kong Police themselves acknowledge this gap and emphasize the need to embrace new technology for maintaining safety.
It's important to note that Hong Kong’s deployment must align with legal regulations on facial recognition data management and cybersecurity. Recent Chinese regulations require filing with authorities when facial data storage exceeds certain thresholds, shaping the implementation pace and governance.
In summary, Hong Kong is in an advanced phase of piloting and rolling out facial recognition for law enforcement, aiming for significant operational capacity by the end of 2025. London, on the other hand, has a more mature system in active broad use. British officers utilize facial recognition technology for identifying criminals in public areas, a practice that Hong Kong police are examining as well. The benefits of facial recognition technology are evident in its application, making it a valuable tool for modern law enforcement.
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Hong Kong is not only investing in facial recognition technology for its law enforcement, but it also looks to incorporate other advancements in technology. For instance, the integration of AI in arts and the development of secure cybersecurity gadgets could potentially enhance overall safety and efficiency.
As Hong Kong advances in technology, it's crucial to ensure that all technological endeavors adhere to stringent data management and cybersecurity protocols to protect citizens' privacy and prevent potential misuse. This way, Hong Kong can balance its drive for innovation with the need for responsible technology utilization.
