Cameras with the function of recognizing the ethnic origin of passers-by have begun to operate in St. Petersburg. This was announced on August 25 at the zero readings of the city's budget for 2026-2028 by Igor Nikonov, Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Informatization.
According to him, the system can determine up to six types of nationalities and record their concentration in different areas, after which law enforcement agencies make decisions to ensure order.
Earlier, the head of the Committee on Interethnic Relations, Oleg Kapitanov, called this system a statistical tool for analysis. The Committee for Informatization and Communications added that the technology will allow for more accurate forecasting of resource needs for security during mass events.
In February, Kapitanov reported that in 2025 it is planned to equip 8,000 city cameras with the function of recognizing ethnic origin. A project for a tripartite verification of foreign citizens with comparison of personal data, photographs and residence permits is also being considered.
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