Facial Recognition Technology Trial Proposed for Canberra Gaming Venues

The ClubsACT, an organization advocating for entertainment establishments in Australia’s Capital Territory, is proposing a test run of facial identification technology in gaming locations. The concept is to enable individuals battling gambling dependency to willingly enroll in the program, which would subsequently assist them in avoiding these places.

Created by New Zealand-based COMS Systems Limited, the program would be implemented in a chosen group of venues. It functions by notifying personnel if an enrolled person enters a gaming zone. This technology is already operational in approximately 170 bars and clubs in New Zealand, in addition to some locations in South Australia.

ClubsACT Chief Executive Officer, Craig Shannon, stressed that the program is intended for individuals who have opted for self-exclusion, offering an additional level of assistance to their pledge.

Nevertheless, the proposition has been met with apprehension from Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury, who has voiced inquiries regarding confidentiality and authorization. He posits that there could be more impactful methods to tackle gambling detriment and urges clubs to investigate all accessible alternatives.

Shannon stated that the face-scanning technology has been implemented in multiple venues but remains inactive. Currently, individuals within the Australian Capital Territory’s Justice and Community Safety division are receiving counsel from the Attorney-General regarding the utilization of this type of system. The ClubsACT organization indicated that, pending approval, they aim to commence trials in the coming weeks.