Facial recognition technology now being used to suppress LGBTI+ people in Hungary

Viktor Orbán’s use of facial recognition tech should prompt our Government to reconsider introducing this powerful tool of suppression

MPs protest with flares during the plenary session of the Hungarian parliament in Budapest, Hungary, on Tuesday. Picture: Boglarka Bodnar/MTI via AP

Hungary slid further into authoritarian rule this week when the government of prime minister Viktor Orbán delivered yet another flagrant assault on LGBTI+ rights and democratic norms.

By banning Pride and allowing police to use facial recognition technology to identify people defying that ban, Hungary has turned its back on the very accession criteria necessary to be a part of the EU in terms of rule of law, human rights and protection of minorities.