Human Rights Watch has expressed concern over the Myanmar military junta’s adoption of a new public camera system equipped with facial recognition and license plate recognition technology, citing potential threats to basic rights in the country. This heightened surveillance capability through artificial intelligence technology comes in the wake of the military coup on February 1, which saw the junta resort to deadly force against protestors and dissenters.
In December 2020, Myanmar authorities initiated the first phase of the “Safe City” initiative, deploying a system of 335 surveillance cameras equipped with facial recognition and license plate scanning technology in eight townships of Naypyidaw, the capital. The technology, supplied by Huawei, automatically scans faces and vehicle license plates in public spaces, alerting authorities to individuals on a wanted list. The “Safe City” project envisions similar systems in Mandalay and Yangon in the near future.
According to reports, most of the equipment used in this $1.2 million project is sourced from Huawei. While Huawei has clarified that the facial and license plate recognition technology is not their product, they have not clarified whether they supplied the CCTV cameras without these technologies or subcontracted their installation to other providers.
The lack of transparency in how facial images, license plate information, and personal data will be collected, stored, and utilized is a major concern. The replacement of the civilian-elected government with a military junta further raises human rights concerns.
Human Rights Watch emphasizes that the use of facial recognition technology in public spaces can have a chilling effect on freedoms of expression, association, and assembly, even if the technology is accurate. It can also lead to discriminatory or arbitrary targeting of individuals based on ethnicity or religion, as seen in China’s Xinjiang region.
In Myanmar, the deployment of facial recognition and license plate recognition technology occurred without public consultation or transparency, making it unclear how the authorities plan to mitigate the potential impact on human rights, including the right to privacy.
Furthermore, the military junta’s suspension of sections 5, 7, and 8 of the Law Protecting the Privacy and Security of Citizens removes essential protections, including the right to be free from arbitrary detention and warrantless surveillance, search, and seizure. These actions raise concerns about potential abuses during searches and arrests.
Human Rights Watch calls for comprehensive regulation and oversight of personal data collection, retention, and use in Myanmar, emphasizing the need for proportionality and necessity in meeting security goals. Additionally, technology companies are urged to ensure that their products and services do not contribute to human rights abuses.
In conclusion, concerns regarding the adoption of facial recognition technology in Myanmar highlight the need for transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights in surveillance initiatives, particularly in the context of political changes and potential abuses.
