<h1 class="ql-align-center">National Automated Facial Recognition System (NAFRS)&nbsp;</h1> <h2>Context:</h2> <ul><li class="ql-align-justify">The implementation of the National Automated Facial Recognition System (NAFRS) has raised concerns regarding inadequate safeguards.</li></ul> <h2>Background:</h2> <ul><li>In Mar 2020, the Home Ministry gave its approval to the National Automated Facial Recognition System (NAFRS) to be implemented by National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB)</li></ul> <h2>National Automated Facial Recognition System (NAFRS):</h2> <ul><li>NAFRS is based on the relatively new technology of facial recognition, so there is a constant debate on finding the right balance between regulation and promotion</li></ul> <ul><li>On its implementation, NAFRS will function as a national-level search platform that will use facial recognition technology to facilitate investigation of crime or for identifying a person of interest (e.g., a criminal) regardless of face mask, makeup, plastic surgery, etc</li></ul> <h2>Concerns:</h2> <ul><li>In the absence of data protection law, Indian citizens are more vulnerable to privacy abuses.</li></ul> <ul><li>The use of surveillance cameras and facial recognition constrict the rights of a particular class of people.</li></ul> <ul><li>International organisations have also condemned the Chinese government on its use of surveillance cameras and facial recognition to constrict the rights of Uighur, a mostly Muslim minority.</li></ul>