Hungary's Proposal for Facial Recognition at Pride Events

In a bold and contentious move, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has proposed using facial recognition technology to target participants at pride events, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from both domestic and international observers. This initiative, embedded in the latest amendment to the Hungarian Child Protection Act, directly contradicts the regulations established under the European Union's AI Act.

Contradictions with EU AI Act

Under the EU's AI Act, the deployment of facial recognition technology for real-time identification in public spaces is broadly prohibited. The only exceptions to this rule arise in extreme scenarios, such as imminent threats to national security or acts of terrorism. Dr. Laura Caroli, who played a significant role in the formulation of the EU AI regulations, pointed out that the proposed use of facial recognition during pride parades is "actively prohibited" by this legislation. Article 5 explicitly aims to prevent member states from misusing live facial recognition technology.

Criticism from Experts and Politicians

Despite potential claims that pride events might pose a risk to national security, Dr. Caroli emphasized that invoking such justifications would still leave Hungary in violation of the EU AI Act. The regulations meant to protect citizens came into effect on February 2, 2023, underscoring the urgency of safeguarding individual rights across the Union.

International Reactions and Concerns

The announcement of a ban on pride parades has triggered alarm beyond Hungary's borders. European Member of Parliament (MEP) Daniel Freund vocally condemned the government's approach, likening it to practices seen in authoritarian regimes like Russia and China. Freund fiercely criticized Orbán for undermining democratic principles, stating, "Viktor Orbán no longer even pretends to uphold democratic values. The EU must respond to this rapid autocratisation and halt the transfer of EU funds to Orbán's government."

Human Rights Organizations Weigh In

The Hungarian Helsinki Committee, a prominent human rights organization, weighed in as well, warning that the amendment poses a significant threat to the rights to personal data protection for participants at pride events. These concerns extend to anyone whose facial image is captured by law enforcement during these activities.

Challenges of Enforcement

Enforcement of the AI Act's prohibitions will rely on the Hungarian data protection authorities, and member states can contest proposed measures if they find them objectionable, as Dr. Caroli indicated. However, given the political climate in Hungary, effective enforcement may be a daunting challenge. "Upholding the AI Act and protecting citizens' rights demands time," she cautioned, "and unfortunately, these potential abuses could still occur in the interim."

The Bigger Picture: National Policy vs. EU Standards

As Hungary grapples with these pressing issues, the situation lays bare the tensions between national policy and EU standards, raising critical questions about the future of democratic rights and the use of technology in maintaining public safety. The world watches closely as Hungary's plans unfold, prompting urgent discussions on civil liberties across Europe.