ICBC’s facial recognition technology to help police ID rioters
The Insurance Corporation of B.C. (ICBC) is offering its facial recognition software to Vancouver police as the force continues its investigation into the June 15 riots.
Following the Vancouver Canuck’s loss to the Boston Bruins in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals, throngs of people spilled into downtown Vancouver’s streets. Within minutes of the hockey game ending, cars were on fire, buildings were defaced and damaged and widespread looting was reported. Before long, pictures and video of the rioters began to be posted online. Observers and rioters uploaded pictures from their smartphones and cameras to social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.
The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) is investigating the violence and destruction, including analyzing citizens’ photographs to identify them.
ICBC’s is making its facial recognition software available to the VPD. The technology compares specific facial characteristics of a person or a photo against images used on provincial drivers’ licenses and B.C. ID cards.
The software analyzes shapes and sizes of various facial features, like the distance between a person’s eyes and the size of the person’s cheekbones.
ICBC has been using the software to combat auto insurance fraud since 2008. The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act allows ICBC to disclose information to police in order to comply with subpoenas, warrants and court orders.
On its Twitter feed, ICBC said that “if we have a court order from police, which we do & only in exceptional circumstances, we can share our data.”
The VPD is still seeking public help to identify anyone involved in the events of June 15. Photos may be sent anonymously to the Vancouver Police Department at robbery@vpd.ca. Videos may be shared anonymously with to the department. Please upload them to YouTube as private videos and share them with robbery@vpd.ca. Posts are also welcome through Twitter at #VPD.
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