The RCMP denied using facial recognition technology as recently as January - before disclosing a few weeks later it had been using Clearview AI, a controversial app that has harvested billions of personal photos from social media, for months.
Just weeks after the RCMP denied using facial recognition technology, it acknowledged that it had been using Clearview AIâs controversial software â which has harvested billions of personal photos from social media â for months.
A few weeks ago, CBC Nova Scotia reached out to the national police serviceâs headquarters for comment for a story about Canadian police forces using facial recognition technology.
âThe RCMP does not currently use facial recognition software,â wrote a spokesperson from national headquarters on Jan. 17, replying to CBCâs query. âHowever, we are aware that some municipal police services in Canada are using it.â
But last week, as the debate over the ethics of Clearview AIâs facial recognition technology was heating up and following reports the companyâs client list had been hacked, the RCMP issued a statement confirming it had been using the technology for at least the previous four months.
âThe discrepancy is the result of an error on our part,â said spokesperson Catherine Fortin in an email late Wednesday.
âThe information stating that the RCMP does not use facial recognition technology was not reconfirmed before being released. This error was corrected in the Feb. 27 statement, wherein the RCMP acknowledged use of Clearview AIâs facial recognition technology.â
Head
AN INSULATED HAT WITHOUT DISTINCTIVE LOGO: To preserve a degree of privacy and prevent photographic invasion. In colder months, insulation will preserve body heat. In every month, insulation will add a layer of protection from less-lethal projectiles.
SHATTERPROOF GOGGLES that can go over glasses if necessary, to protect eyes from crowd control chemicals. Do not wear contacts, as they can trap irritants and you wonât be able to change them if arrested.
HELMET (optional): If you believe the protest will escalate to violenceâeither by the police or by unruly protestersâthis will add protection from rocks, batons and other possible head injuries.
Donât wear any makeup or oil/mineral-based moisturizers as they will bind with chemicals. Donât wear any jewelry, as it can be grabbed or snagged, leading to serious injury.
Neck
FUME MASK: Will not protect as well as a full gas mask, but will buy time to escape an area contaminated by crowd control chemicals. Caveat: a mask can make you a target for the police. Carry it and practice putting it on quickly.
LONG SCARF: A multi-purpose accessory that can be used to keep warm, protect identity, support injuries and sprains, and protect from less-lethal projectiles by wrapping around the head.
 Torso
MULTIPLE LAYERS, EITHER WORN OR PREPARED TO BE WORN: For dealing with changing elements, insulation from impact, and change of identity. Long sleeves to protect from chemicals.
A PACKABLE LIQUID-REPELLENT OUTER LAYER: To resist rain and to keep chemicals away from the skin (cotton will absorb chemicals). Packable so you can throw it over clothes to change identifying colors.
YOUR LAWYERâS NUMBER, or the number of a trusted friend who will expect your call upon arrest.
A HEAT RESISTANT GLOVE: to discard gas canisters if they are thrown into the protest as they are extremely hot when discharged.
A CHEAP WATCH that you will be willing to lose if arrested, for properly timestamping documented events such as police brutality, injuries and arrests.
Wash yourself with pH-neutral soap, as detergent soaps will bind with chemicals.
Pants and pockets
FULL-LENGTH JEANS THAT DONâT REQUIRE A BELT: To protect your legs from scrapes and chemicals; ankles should be cinched or tucked in off to prevent chemicals from entering bottoms. A belt will be taken from you if arrested.
KNEE PADS: Personal protection from falls and to facilitate treating injuries on fallen demonstrators
A ZIP-LOCK BAG WITH: Â ID, necessary keys and enough cash (no credit cards) to get you home if arrested, a letter from your doctor advising on any medical needs and necessary medications
A ZIP-LOCK WITH BANDANA SOAKING IN VINEGAR: This does not offer long-term protection from tear gas, but will afford you the precious seconds needed to get out of the contaminated area if tightly wrapped over nose and mouth. Also will help obscure identity.
NOTEPAD AND PEN: To document events such as police brutality, injuries and arrests.
  Rucksack
SMALL FIRST AID KIT WITH latex-free gloves, bandages, antibacterial ointment, a nylon wrap bandage and ibuprofen, without anything that can be considered a weapon such as metal scissors.
ZIP-LOCK WITH AN EXTRA LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT AND JEANS to change into if your clothes become contaminated with crowd control chemicals.
CANOLA OIL & RUBBING ALCOHOL: to be used in that order to wipe clean skin exposed to riot control chemicals.
SPRAY BOTTLE WITH EQUAL PARTS MAALOX AND WATER: to rinse eyes/nose/mouth to neutralize reaction to chemicals
WATER AND ENERGY SNACKS: Sustain yourself!
