New South Wales wants comments on a facial recognition exclusion plan.

New South Wales wants comments on a facial recognition exclusion plan.

 The New South Wales (NSW) liquor and gaming regulator of Australia is requesting public comments on ideas involving the implementation of facial recognition technology and exclusion policies at gaming venues.
 Face recognition technology NSW
 Beginning Wednesday, February 17, the NSW government is gathering comments on consultation documents suggesting a third-party exclusion policy and the use of facial recognition technology to control already barred customers.

 The NSW government claimed it is including "strict parameters" into the legislation meant to safeguard the privacy of customers visiting hotels and clubs using facial recognition technology.

 Consequently, venues will not be allowed to track patrons for security or marketing uses via the program.

 Furthermore under consideration by the administration is a third-party exclusion program.  This would enable family and friends of bettors to pursue a ban applicable to problem gamblers.

 Under the third-party concept, the suggested minimum duration for exclusion would be twelve months, maximum three years.  Gamblers could be temporarily barred for twenty-one days while the application is under review.

 "Third-party exclusions are meant to help those experiencing gambling harm and their loved ones when other avenues to seek help may have failed," Australian minister for gaming and racing David Harris stated.

 "It acknowledges the financial, psychological, emotional, and bodily consequences of gambling on an individual's friends and family.  This is a complicated reform hence we are looking for comments on several different aspects.

 According to Harris, hotels, clubs, and events might employ facial recognition technology as a "important harm-minimising tool" to find excluded guests in packed surroundings.

 The "third-party exclusion consultation paper" and "facial recognition technology in pubs and clubs consultation paper" consultation session ends on March 14.

 Notes  Australia NSW  Labour governments try to reduce gambling.
 To address the gambling sector in recent years, the NSW government has put out a flurry of policies.  NSW announced last month intentions to outlaw all kinds of gambling advertising on public transport all over the state.

 Under the Chris Minns NSW Labour government from 2023, NSW has enacted anti-gambling policies include outlawing all exterior gambling signage outside all bars and clubs around the state.

 NSW has also set cash input restrictions on new AU$500 to AU$5,000 gambling machines.  Furthermore prohibited is the political funding donation from clubs equipped with electronic gambling equipment.

 The NSW regulator conducted many compliance tests throughout the state last year.

 Visiting 528 hotels and clubs in NSW, regulator inspectors enforced new rules.  For example, venues have to set up a gaming incident register and responsible gaming officer.