German Bar Association Warns Against Biometric Facial Recognition and "Gotham" Data Analysis Software

The German government's plan to implement biometric facial recognition software and the controversial data analysis program "Gotham" by Palantir has raised concerns among the German Bar Association (Deutscher Anwaltverein - DAV). Attorney Lea Voigt, chair of the Internal Security Law Committee, warns that biometric facial recognition is a serious infringement of the right to informational self-determination, as it would record not only wanted persons but also everyone who enters the recording area. The use of "Gotham" analysis software raises concerns about the creation of personality profiles of citizens and the lack of transparency in the algorithms used.

Key Takeaways:

• The German government plans to implement biometric facial recognition software and the "Gotham" data analysis program as part of a new "security package."
• Attorney Lea Voigt warns that biometric facial recognition is a serious infringement of the right to informational self-determination.
• The use of "Gotham" analysis software could lead to the creation of personality profiles of citizens "at the push of a button."
• The algorithms used in "Gotham" are completely non-transparent, making it difficult to understand how the gigantic amounts of data are linked together.
• Many surveillance measures are virtually impossible to reverse, and careful consideration is required before powers are continually expanded.
• Facial recognition is already being used in some federal states, such as Saxony, but its actual benefits are difficult to assess due to a lack of statistics on its success.
• The Federal Cabinet is expected to introduce the draft of the security package today.

Statistics:

• No specific statistics on the success of facial recognition technology in Saxony are mentioned.
• No specific data on the number of citizens affected by the implementation of "Gotham" analysis software is mentioned.
• The use of biometric facial recognition and "Gotham" analysis software is aimed at increasing security, but the actual benefits are difficult to assess.

Sources:

• "Anwaltverein.de" (in German)