Announcement

February 28, 2020

OPC launches investigation into RCMP’s use of facial recognition technology

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) has opened an investigation into the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s use of Clearview AI’s facial recognition technology.

In light of the RCMP’s acknowledgement of its use of Clearview’s technology, the OPC is launching an investigation under the Privacy Act.

Given the office is investigating, no further details are available at this time.

The OPC and its counterparts in Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta had previously announced they would jointly investigate Clearview AI and its use of facial recognition technology.

The OPC, along with privacy regulators in every province and territory, have agreed to work together to develop guidance for organizations – including law enforcement – on the use of biometric technology, including facial recognition.