“They are afraid of total surveillance.” 42% of Muscovites oppose the installation of cameras with facial recognition

In Moscow, 42% of residents opposed the installation of cameras with a facial recognition system. This is evidenced by data from a July survey by the Levada Center.

According to researchers, the opinion of Muscovites about the city’s video surveillance and facial recognition system is divided almost equally: 42% of respondents have a negative attitude towards it, 47% have a positive attitude.

According to the survey results, the difference in attitude towards this system depends on the age of the respondent and his ability to use the Internet. Thus, young respondents who are well versed in technology opposed the Moscow video surveillance system, the authors of the study noted.

Most opponents of the cameras (53%) said they feared “total surveillance” and “unfair use” of the system’s data by law enforcement agencies or authorities. 39% of them reported that they consider such measures a manifestation of dictatorship, authoritarianism, and also noted that this is a violation of freedom, the constitution and the right to private life.

Muscovites who support the installation of cameras said they are necessary to fight crime and maintain safety and order in the city.

“An even greater difference in answers is found between supporters and opponents of the government. Distrust in management also extends to video surveillance systems, which are perceived as tools of control and surveillance,” says the Levada Center report.

A total of 508 people took part in the survey. The study was conducted on the street using personal interviews.

The public organization Roskomsvoboda monitored the black data market and found there personal information of people obtained from Safe City cameras and the Moscow facial recognition system.

In connection with the data leak, the organization is preparing claims against the Moscow Ministry of Internal Affairs and DIT demanding that they stop using this technology until there is a guarantee that the system data will not be abused.