PLEA BEFORE TELANGANA HC CHALLENGING THE USE OF FRT

The Telangana High Court was hearing a plea challenging the usage of Facial Recognition Technology without any valid law. FRT involves processing digital images of faces for their verification and identification. 

Social activist SQ Masood filed the Petition after being subjected to FRT in 2019 by Telangana police while traveling for a legitimate purpose. He was subjected to FRT without any accusation of committing any offense. Telangana police took his photograph without his consent.

Telangana Police’s unfettered use of FRT violates the fundamental right to privacy. The respondents are taking active steps to implement FRT in the State. He Clarified that he relied on the news report as the respondents did not provide any information regarding the use of FRT in the public domain and also declined any info even after filing RTI applications.

The petitioner further argued that the State is bound to demonstrate that the FRT is specific and narrow. There is also a requirement to demonstrate that a reasonable reason exists for using the technology.

However, no such requirements or reasons had been given. FRT appears to be for mass surveillance. 

The petitioner prayed the court to pass direction to prohibit the use of FRT and pass an interim order, suspending the use of the FRT till the disposal of the Petition is pending. 

The Bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Abhinand Kumar Shavili issued notice to the State and Telangana Police. 

Author: Papiha Ghoshal