# Police trial live face-scanning technology: what could possibly go wrong?

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/7am-529740/police-trial-live-face-scanning-technology-what-could-possibly-go-wrong
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/7am-529740/police-trial-live-face-scanning-technology-what-could-possibly-go-wrong.md
Podcast: [7am](https://stenobird.com/podcast/7am-529740)
Published: 2026-06-22T19:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://omny.fm/shows/7am/police-trial-live-face-scanning-technology-what-could-possibly-go-wrong
Audio file: https://p.podderapp.com/2544644999/traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/62723a1f-3e96-4fc4-882c-b25e0181da4d/6df24119-f441-4497-be7f-b47100424655/audio.mp3?utm_source=Podcast&in_playlist=70f29d90-2a63-48aa-bf8f-b25e0181da70
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/7am-529740/episodes/police-trial-live-face-scanning-technology-what-could-possibly-go-wrong
Duration seconds: 1027

## Resource

In Western Australia, police have just started trialling technology that can identify people as they walk past.  A marked police van will scan faces outside major events, cross-checking them against a watchlist of people wanted by authorities. Police say it’s targeted and that innocent people have nothing to fear. But once this kind of surveillance is switched on, the question becomes how far it spreads, and who decides when it stops.  Today, UNSW cyber security expert Professor Richard Buckland, on the scope creep of live facial recognition technology, and the danger of normalising police powers before the public understands them.   If you enjoy 7am , the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support .   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: UNSW cyber security expert Professor Richard Buckland Photo:  WA Police See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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## Transcript

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