Facial recognition pilot begins at Berlin train station

Facial recognition software is now being tested at Berlin’s Südkreuz train station, according to a report in The Local.

The pilot project is being run on behalf of the federal government and will use surveillance cameras to test the facial recognition software’s ability to recognize the faces of passersby. 300 people volunteered to be part of the test for six months.

Volunteers’ names and faces were saved into a database so that when they are picked up by the cameras, the software will compare them back to the database as they come and go through the station. Three different facial recognition systems will be tested throughout the project.

Commenting on the project, Interior Minister Thomas de Maizière said that the public’s sense of security would be strengthened as surveillance helps to deter and solve crimes. “Our public places must be safe,” de Maizière said.

Leaked documents cited in a report by Germany’s international broadcaster DW first revealed plans for this project last November.

Article Topics

biometrics  |  facial recognition  |  Germany  |  pilot project  |  surveillance