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Italy Weighs Preventive AI Facial Recognition in Football Stadiums

The interior ministry has launched a formal review in conjunction with the Data Protection Authority to explore using AI to detect criminal activity before it occurs

Fans vor Meazza-Stadion in Mailand
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Overview

  • Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi confirmed the plan and said artificial intelligence enables efficient analysis of biometric data for security purposes.
  • The proposal is being evaluated jointly by the Interior Ministry, the Data Protection Authority and other institutions to ensure compliance with privacy regulations.
  • Officials cite rising drug trafficking and organized crime in fan sections of major stadiums as the rationale for shifting to preventive security measures.
  • Current European Union rules restrict biometric technologies to post-crime identification under judicial supervision, so preemptive use would require legal amendments.
  • Supporter groups and privacy advocates warn the technology could deter attendance and infringe on personal data rights, and they are preparing protests.