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The Italian government is advancing legislation to expand police use of AI-powered facial recognition and biometric identification, allowing data retention and surveillance in public spaces. Opposition parties and privacy advocates warn this could violate privacy and fundamental rights, raising concerns about mass surveillance and insufficient judicial oversight.[AI generated]
Why's our monitor labelling this an incident or hazard?
The event involves the use of AI systems (facial recognition based on AI) in law enforcement. The decree's provisions enable extensive biometric data collection and use without adequate independent judicial authorization, which could plausibly lead to violations of fundamental rights and freedoms (a breach of obligations under applicable law). Although the article does not report a realized harm, the legislative changes create a credible risk of future harm through misuse or overreach of AI surveillance technologies. Therefore, this event fits the definition of an AI Hazard, as it plausibly leads to an AI Incident involving violations of rights and freedoms.[AI generated]