Is it allowed to deploy facial recognition systems for real‑time public surveillance by police in Brazil after 2022–2024 judicial and regulatory developments?

Last updated on October 2, 2025

Not freely. Brazilian courts and data protection authorities have imposed limits on indiscriminate biometric surveillance. The Brazilian Data Protection Authority (ANPD) and recent judicial decisions require law enforcement to demonstrate legal basis, proportionality, impact assessments, and specific authorisations before using facial recognition technologies in public spaces. Blanket, real‑time face surveillance of the public without robust legal frameworks, oversight mechanisms, and safeguards is disallowed; deployments must be narrowly tailored, subject to judicial review, and accompanied by transparency and accountability measures. Police agencies should consult ANPD guidance and obtain requisite approvals before operational rollout.

 

https://www.anpd.gov.br/index.php/en/

ANPD guidance updates 2023–2024

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