In a move that critics are already calling “bold,” “unsettling,” and “the exact plot of at least four dystopian TV shows,” the Edmonton Police Service announced Tuesday that it will become the first police force on Earth to strap AI-powered facial-recognition bodycams to its officers. The cameras come courtesy of Axon Enterprise, a company best known for making devices that yell “This is for your safety!” right before hurting someone.
Acting Supt. Kurt Martin assured the public that the technology won’t replace the “human component” of policing – a statement that raised eyebrows, given that the human component is now apparently a junior partner to a lens with opinions. “All matches will be verified by trained officers,” Martin said, adding that those officers will definitely not be Googling “faces that look kinda similar.”
Up to 50 officers will begin wearing the new cameras Wednesday. Privacy advocates say the trial will run for a month, or until the cameras develop self-awareness – whichever comes first.
