Canadian Border Agency Mulls Facial Recognition Technology

A planned project by the Canada Border Services Agency would involve Canadians using facial recognition technology to verify their identity through their smartphones when crossing the border.

“The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is dedicated to enhancing travel efficiency while ensuring border security. We are implementing tools and technologies to shape the future of border management,” a spokesperson from the agency told The Epoch Times.

On April 16, Public Services and Procurement Canada began a $25 million competitive solicitation process to select suppliers for the development of Facial Recognition Technology for the CBSA. This system will enable travelers crossing the border to match a photo from their electronic passports with selfies taken on their phones.

The CBSA is interested in evaluating smartphone and mobile facial recognition technology for features like image acquisition, quality, matching, and fraud detection.

While a specific timeline for the implementation of the technology has not been determined by the CBSA, it is expected to be introduced as a pilot project within the next two to four years. It is emphasized that the use of the technology will be optional.

“We prioritize safeguarding the privacy of travelers and their information at all times,” the CBSA stated. “Privacy concerns are a key focus of the CBSA’s facial recognition technology strategy.”

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Travellers arriving at international airports in Canada already have the option to use a digital kiosk or eGate to verify their identity through facial recognition technology.

Civil Liberties Group Concerned

Tim McSorley, national coordinator of the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group, expressed concerns that the CBSA’s program could potentially expand to include matching a traveler’s photo with other image databases.

“Without more clarity on the project, we are concerned that this could be a stepping stone towards broader use of facial identification programs,” he told The Canadian Press.

Mr. McSorley also highlighted the need to update Canada’s privacy laws regarding agencies like the CBSA to address the increasing use of biometrics and facial recognition technology.

KTDI participants included Montreal Trudeau and Toronto Pearson airports, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Air Canada, Royal Dutch Airlines, and IT services firm Accenture. Transport Canada informed The Epoch Times that they are actively engaged with KTDI, and all partners are committed to finalizing the project and sharing the knowledge gained through this initiative.

The Canadian Press contributed to this report