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AII-1000-63783
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Over 700 arrests made using facial recognition in Espírito Santo, Brazil

Espírito Santo authorities have used facial recognition technology to make over 700 arrests since its deployment at strategic locations in Greater Vitória. The system identifies individuals with outstanding warrants in real-time by matching images against security databases. Government officials state the technology improves policing efficiency and public security, though the mass surveillance application raises privacy concerns.

25 March 2026 · Government of Espírito Santo · Privacy and surveillance
25 March 2026
AII-1000-63783
Quick facts
Category
Privacy and surveillance
Country
Brazil
Date
25 March 2026
Drafted by
Raidu Incident Detection

What happened

A facial recognition system deployed at strategic points in Greater Vitória, Espírito Santo, has led to 706 arrests. The system operates in real-time to identify individuals with outstanding arrest warrants, generating alerts that prompt police teams to approach identified persons.

Reported impact

According to official data, 706 people were arrested with the technology's support. Among the warrants executed, the majority related to child support (184 cases), followed by drug trafficking (146), robbery (129), homicide (85), theft (36), and rape (29).

Index analysis

The system crosses images captured by cameras with public security databases. When a match is found, an alert is sent and police teams are activated to conduct the approach. The facial recognition system is part of the Programa Estado Presente em Defesa da Vida.

Governance controls

Vice-Governor Ricardo Ferraço, coordinator of the Programa Estado Presente em Defesa da Vida, stated that technology strengthens security and protects people. Secretary of Public Security Leonardo Damasceno highlighted that facial recognition integration into ostensive policing represents an important advance and increases the efficiency of approaches.

Classification

Category
Privacy and surveillance
Industry
Government, security and defence
Country
Brazil
Harm status
Potential harm
Intent
Unintentional
Timing
Unknown
Harm types
Human or fundamental rights
Harmed
General public
AI systems
Facial recognition system

Sources and evidence

Sources not yet published

This record was researched and written by the Index from original reporting. Its sources are still being verified by an editor, and they are listed here once that check is complete. Until then the record carries no reviewer.

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