Rabat – After initial a successful pilot scheme which concluded on July 16, the governing council of Spanish enclave Ceuta is set to implement facial recognition technology as part of its border security. The system is to be fully operational starting July.
Over 14 new cameras equipped with facial recognition technology have been installed over the months of June and July, replacing many of the outdated 1990s models that were still in place.
According to the government of Ceuta, this initiative serves two major interests. First, it should enhance security at the crossing by making it easier to identify and stop suspects at the border. Second, it should also ease traffic and congestion by streamlining the border crossing process, especially time consuming security verification measures.
The Ceuta border is one of the busiest external borders of the European Union. Thousands of people and vehicles cross the border every day.
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In addition to facial recognition, Spanish authorities have also expressed their intention to heighten the barriers along the border for added security. Morocco is also increasing its security apparatus on its side of the border by adding barbed wire and reinforcing border security measures.
Melillia, another Spanish exclave, is also set to implement similar measures in the near future.
