The ClubsACT, an organization advocating for clubs within the Australian Capital Territory, has proposed a pilot program utilizing facial recognition software in select establishments. The concept revolves around individuals facing gambling challenges voluntarily enrolling in the system, which would subsequently assist them in avoiding gaming zones.
This technology, created by a firm based in New Zealand, would notify personnel if an individual whose image is stored in the database enters a designated gambling section. The system is already operational in certain venues across South Australia and New Zealand.
The chief executive of ClubsACT underscores that the objective is to provide assistance to those who have made the challenging choice to self-ban from gambling by offering an additional layer of support.
Nevertheless, the ACT Attorney-General has voiced apprehensions regarding privacy and informed consent. He inquired whether this constitutes the most suitable approach and recommended that clubs investigate alternative methods to mitigate gambling-related harm. He further emphasized the significance of considering whether patrons even desire the implementation of such a system.
Shannon has implied that the face identification technology is prepared for implementation across several nightclubs, although its official launch isn’t immediate. The Australian Capital Territory’s (ACT) authorities on justice and security are currently briefing the Attorney General on the system’s functionalities and operational procedures. The ClubsACT organization appears quite optimistic about receiving prompt authorization, suggesting that the trial project could commence within a matter of weeks if given the go-ahead.
