RTA deploys facial recognition

Credit: NSW govt

A rollout of facial recognition technology across the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) has been completed after initially being slated for deployment mid-2010.

The technology will match new licence photographs against existing imaging by measuring the distance between an individual’s ears, eyes and mouth.

Assistant Transport Minister David Borger said the technology, expected to go national, will cut down on the 41 suspected fraud instances recorded since October last year. “By using facial recognition as part of the driver licence process, NSW will be at the forefront of protecting the community against identity theft,” Borger said.

“If people try to create more than one licence in NSW, this technology will allow them to be identified and prosecuted - and they may then face serious charges. “The technology will be used to support the investigation of known and suspected fraud. During investigations, the images of a person of interest may be searched against the entire database of images,” he said.

Borger said licence costs will not be affected by the implementation of the technology and noted customers will no longer be able to smile in licence photos.

Queensland, South Australia and Victoria have introduced facial recognition technology for their state driver’s licences.

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