The Indian state of Telangana will test facial-recognition software to verify voters in an upcoming local election, Reuters reports. The Telangana State Election Commission said the technology will be used to “reduce impersonation cases” and voters’ photos will not be stored or used “for any other purpose.” It is the first time facial recognition will be used at the polls in India. “We think it will be an effective tool, and that it can be deployed more widely after this trial,” said Telangana State Election Commission Secretary M. Ashok Kumar. Meanwhile, The Times of India reports All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen President Asaduddin Owaisi urged the commission to withdraw the plans, saying facial-recognition technology violates voters’ right to privacy.
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