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Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) Profile picture
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3 May, 4 tweets, 2 min read
Psst, #Chennai: The chatter over at #ProjectPanoptic is that a Facial Recognition system including 174 cameras and number plate recognition is being set up in your city. We filed an RTI with the Chennai Metro Development Authority. Read the reply here.
panoptic.in/tamil-nadu/FRT…
“18 cameras have facial recognition features. They will have pictures of anti-social elements collected from the State and national crime records bureaus. Besides, four cameras with ANPR features will be installed at the entry and exit.”
thehindu.com/news/cities/ch…
The reply by CMDA states that there is no legislation or rule, and the technology will be adopted as per need and necessity. Software providers will be "Cognitec/Cogent/Videonetics" with a lifetime license. Images will be sourced from police dept, Greater Chennai Corp.
The est. accuracy is 80-90%. The database will be at CCTV control room P.T. Dr. MGR Bus Terminus, Koyambedu, and is "the secret document of Police Department". Find more linked above and visit panoptic.in to sign a petition demanding a ban on unconstitutional FRT use.

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More from @internetfreedom

Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) Profile picture
3 May
In a significant order, the Supreme Court has passed a range of directions to ensure fundamental rights are not violated as the country continues the battle against Covid-19. We discuss two of those directions in this thread -
1/n
 livelaw.in/pdf_upload/in-…
First, SC has reprimanded the government for targeting individuals seeking help on the internet and directed it to not do so (Para 69(iii)). The bench noted that sharing such information not just helps individuals, but also prevents the pandemic from worsening (Para 63).
2/n
In a statement, we had previously condemned censorship of social media posts which sought for help and demanded governmental accountability. We welcome the decision of the SC which protects freedom of speech and expression.
3/n
Read 8 tweets
Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) Profile picture
3 May
Over the last year, the use of Facial Recognition has spiked sharply. To map its future in India, we're beginning a series where we dive into the influence of political & social movements on FRT regulations #AroundTheWorld. We start with the USA.
1/n
 internetfreedom.in/facial-recogni…
The USA is a federal republic and thus citizens are subject to regulations at local, state and federal levels.

This table illustrates regulations at city+state levels. In addition to bans/ordinances/etc many jurisdictions are in the process of enacting laws to regulate FRT.
2/n
What factors have influenced regulation? Foundational analyses by experts & activists have played a big role ever since it was determined that the use of this tech would lead to exclusionary and discriminatory outcomes.
3/n
Read 10 tweets
Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) Profile picture
30 Apr
SOS: We at @internetfreedom @no2uid @smcproject @HEaL_Institute @IndJMedEthics are laying down clear facts about how and why vaccine discrimination is going to rise in India. If the government fulfils our demands, access to life-saving resources will increase. Please RT.
1. Some worrying facts:
a. State/private bodies have to get vaccines from manufacturers. The price is set/declared in advance.
b. There is no strict price regulation in pvt hospitals.
c. 18-45 y/os must be handled by States, and they have no option but to register on COWIN.
Why is this a problem? If you leave the pricing of vaccines to the free market, leave vaccination to States who are low on resources, and mandate online registration at a time when a large number of Indians CANNOT access it, people will be left out of the vaccination process.
Read 9 tweets
Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) Profile picture
27 Apr
The pilot program introducing Aadhaar-based facial recognition for COVID-19 vaccination has begun in Jharkhand. The new "Good Governance" Rules allow this.

Thread on how they do it, and why we have approached authorities about their unconstitutionality.
internetfreedom.in/bad-rules-for-…
In 2016, the Aadhaar Act brought Aadhaar to India, giving the UIDAI decision-making power over its use. This year, the "Good Governance" Rules came into play, empowering the Centre to allow some entities to engage in Aadhaar authentication (like the facial recognition drive).
Aadhaar has been criticised for years - the 2016 Economic Survey showed severe exclusion due to authentication failure. Jharkhand itself saw a 49% failure rate. The data security and privacy issues surrounding Aadhaar are also widely known. Image
Read 9 tweets
Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) Profile picture
19 Apr
THREAD: National Health Authority chief Dr. R.S. Sharma said that Facial Recognition will be used with Aadhaar to authenticate identities of people seeking vaccines. But this inaccurate tech can lead to potentially life threatening exclusion from access to vaccines in India.
1/n
With @no2uid and a team of volunteers, we released a joint statement opposing the initiative. It has been endorsed by 16 orgs+505 individuals. We've sent it with a covering letter to Dr. Ram Sewak Sharma and the National Health Authority. Read ahead.
internetfreedom.in/sign-on-and-su…
2/n
The government is currently using biometric fingerprint/iris scan for identity authentication at vaccination centres. They could soon be replaced with Facial Recognition which it believes will help avoid infections. The pilot program has already been initiated in Jharkhand.
3/n
Read 8 tweets
Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) Profile picture
16 Apr
We have been seeking clarity around the undemocratic and unconstitutional IT Rules, 2021. As per our analysis they threaten social media interactions, online news portals and OTT streaming platforms. Fundamentally altering and vesting excessive government control. 1/n
In our most recent attempt at transparency is to examine how the IT Rules, 2021 came to be drafted we had filed a RTI request with MEITY on the legal advise, contractors and file nothings. As per their response, it was drafted by MEITY with advice from M/s Vidhi Legal. 2/n
Further legal opinion was sought from the Law Ministry. On our queries (such as inspecting the file), we appreciate MEITY extending us an opportunity to inspect them. After the present surge ceases, we will examine all methods & options how IFF staff can safely access copies. 3/n
Read 5 tweets

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