The Kardinia Park Stadium Trust has confirmed facial recognition technology is in place at its stadium.An investigation released this week found many of Australia’s big stadiums like the MCG, SCG, and Qudos Bank Arena are using the technology without people’s knowledge, but the Geelong venue was not analysed.
The report from consumer advocate CHOICE analysed the privacy policies and conditions of entry statements of ten stadiums and operators, finding many allowed for facial recognition use without providing information on where and how it is used.
“Stadiums are places where many people, including children, gather to have fun and make memories,” CHOICE consumer data advocate Kate Bower said.
“If facial recognition is being used in these venues, people should have the choice to opt in or out.
“Instead, any details regarding the use of this technology are usually buried deep in a privacy policy or conditions of entry.”
Kardinia Park’s managers confirmed the venue is similarly equipped with the technology.
“The system that the Trust currently uses has the capability and capacity for facial recognition, although the software is not operated in that way,” a spokesperson for the venue said.
The trust did not respond to questions regarding its policy for use of facial recognition, or whether the system had ever been used.
Ms. Bower says clear guidelines are necessary to ensure the safe and responsible use of the technology.
“To hold businesses to account when they are using this controversial technology inappropriately or dangerously,” she said.
Image: Kardinia Park Stadium Trust
