Facial recognition technology: How gardaí plan to use AI in major crime investigations

As gardaí push for AI and facial recognition to speed up investigations, critics warn of privacy, bias and surveillance risks
Committee members expressed concern at the processing of images of innocent people or of the wrong person being identified via facial recognition technology. Picture: Jordan Pettitt/PA

Committee members expressed concern at the processing of images of innocent people or of the wrong person being identified via facial recognition technology. Picture: Jordan Pettitt/PA

Wed, 24 Sep, 2025 - 16:19
Cormac O’Keeffe

The scenes of unhinged violence and looting on Dublin’s O’Connell St less than two years ago are still fresh in people’s memories.

The task of identifying those involved in the rioting and criminality on November 23, 2023, has proved to be a colossal undertaking — one largely done manually.

You have reached your article limit. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Save €40 on an Annual Subscription.​

Continue reading within unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber benefits.

Cancel anytime

CONNECT WITH US TODAY

Whatsapp logo

WHATSAPP

Newsletter logo

NEWSLETTERS

Notification logo

NOTIFICATIONS

Be the first to know the latest news and updates

More in this section

Drug-related intimidation leaves Irish families feeling alone and under threat Drug-related intimidation leaves Irish families feeling alone and under threat
A selection of images chosen by the Irish Examiner picture desk A selection of images chosen by the Irish Examiner picture desk
Suspected arson attack in Waterford 'You wake up with it, you go to sleep with it': Drug-related violence plagues Waterford families 
#Artificial intelligence (AI)Gardai#Insight
<p>Deputy general secretary of SIPTU Adrian Kane, INMO general secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha, Kevin Callinan Forsa's senior general secretary and Irish National Teachers' Organisation general secretary John Boyle join public sector workers, including nurses, doctors, teachers and civil servants, during a 24-hour strike over delays in agreeing a new public sector pay deal at Mater Hospital, Dublin. Picture: PA</p>

Public sector pay deal: What the 10.75% increase means for 420,000 workers

READ NOW

Lunchtime News

Newsletter

Get a lunch briefing straight to your inbox at noon daily. Also be the first to know with our occasional Breaking News emails.

Latest

Most Read

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited