Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics

Comité permanent de l'accès à l'information, de la protection des renseignements personnels et de l'éthique

For immediate release

Ottawa, October 04, 2022 -

Today, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics, tabled in the House of Commons a report entitled Facial Recognition Technology and the Growing Power of Artificial Intelligence. During its study, the Committee examined the impact of facial recognition technology and the growing power of artificial intelligence.

It examined the use of facial recognition technology and algorithmic tools in the private and public sector, including its use by police forces, border authorities and other federal agencies.

The report concludes, among other things, that the current legislative framework does not adequately regulate facial recognition technology and artificial intelligence. Since such legislative framework does not exist at this time, a national pause should be imposed on the use of facial recognition technology, particularly for federal police services.

The report contains 19 recommendations to further strengthen Canadians’ privacy and ensure that there is an appropriate legal framework for the use of facial recognition technology and artificial intelligence in Canada.

“On behalf of the Committee, I want to thank all the witnesses who appeared before the Committee and shared their knowledge, time and expertise,” stated Pat Kelly, Chair of the Committee. He added: “The report’s recommendations are supported by members of all four parties on the committee and I hope that the government will respond quickly and decisively to implement them.”

The Committee held 9 public meetings as part of this study and heard from 33 witnesses, including the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, representatives of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and other experts and stakeholders. It also received 8 briefs. The witness testimony heard by the Committee is available on the Parliament of Canada’s website: ETHI - Use and Impact of Facial Recognition Technology.