AfriForum sent a letter to the South African National Roads Agency Ltd (SANRAL) today regarding their recent media statement on the use of machine learning (ML) technology, which may include facial recognition software.
AfriForum questions whether SANRAL is able to successfully implement this project. Moreover, the potential use of facial recognition ML technology will violate citizens’ constitutional right to privacy. AfriForum requested SANRAL to provide detailed information about the implementation of ML technology, as well as which steps SANRAL will take to ensure that the privacy of citizens is protected. The civil rights organisation also wants to know how SANRAL plans on preventing possible abuse of ML technology.
“AfriForum does not oppose the harnessing of the latest technology to facilitate road safety, law enforcement or emergency response. However, this progress cannot be pursued at the cost of people’s constitutional rights,” says Marnus Kamfer, Legal and Risk Manager at AfriForum.
“AfriForum is concerned that SANRAL cites China as an example of where ML technology has been successfully implemented – especially since the Chinese government has a poor record in terms of human rights violations and infringing on the privacy of its citizens. Technological progress cannot be pursued by government to increase surveillance abilities that would violate the privacy of its citizens, or to a degree that would enable rampant abuse,” Kamfer concludes.