After the resounding fiasco of the digital transformation of the SAAQour parliamentary office has certainly just averted another disaster for Quebecers, as the organization considered implementing facial recognition.
It was more than surprising – and not very reassuring – to learn, from the pen of my colleague Nicolas Lachance, that the SAAQ was embarking on facial recognition.
The organization wanted in particular to avoid fraud with driving licenses, by ensuring the integrity of the holders. This process is used elsewhere in Canada, such as Ontario, British Columbia and Manitoba.
surprise minister
It seems that Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault was also surprised. It did not take long, the very day of the publication of the report, Tuesday, to order the suspension of the said project.
The Minister invoked the “delicate issues of perception and trust of our citizens towards our public organizations”.
The CEO of the SAAQ was then dismissed the next day.
When we think of the extent of the failures that followed the launch of the SAAQclic platform, it is difficult to understand how the leaders of the SAAQ could have thought that the moment was right to move forward with another revolution. .
Sensitive data
According to the International Observatory on the Societal Impacts of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technology, the biometric data used for facial recognition is sensitive for several reasons.
Their use can cause a lot of problems, warns the Observatory, and the risks of data breaches are obvious.
As for the notion of facial recognition, it is not defined in Canadian law, in Quebec law, or in any other province.
This implies that this type of system must be implemented with great care. Every detail must be fine-tuned before it is implemented. Before getting started, the SAAQ should at least have regained control over its organization.