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HDPA Hellenic Police / Ministry of Citizen Protection

December 31, 2025 · Greece · Public administration / Law enforcement

The HDPA issued Decision 45/2025, ruling that the activation of the 'Smart Policing' system, which includes AI technologies like facial recognition and fingerprint identification, would constitute unlawful processing of personal data. The Authority explicitly warned the Hellenic Police not to operationalize this AI-enabled system.

Key takeaway — how to prevent this

Biometric data (faces, iris, fingerprints) needs an explicit lawful basis or consent. Scraping or capturing it without one is unlawful across the EU/UK and many US states (e.g. Illinois BIPA) — and draws the largest fines.

Inclusion does not imply wrongdoing or liability. Status reflects the latest information we have — always check the official source for current status.