FACE (Europol Database)
Type: Law Enforcement, Civilian Registry
Technical information:
| Full name | |
|---|---|
| Country | European Union |
| Contents | Controlled Uncontrolled |
| Images | |
| Individuals | |
| Runs database software | |
| URL"URL" is a type and predefined property provided by Semantic MediaWiki to represent URI/URL values. | |
| Related Technology |
Developers and Users:
| Developed by | Europol |
|---|---|
| Owning institution | Europol |
| Custodian institution | Europol |
Description[edit | ]
FACE is a dedicated database, developed in-house, for storing facial images (both, controlled and uncontrolled). It is populated with controlled images from Europol Member States and Third Parties. It is also populated with uncontrolled facial images that are extracted from propaganda and other relevant materials stored in the Europol Check-the-Web portal.1
Europol Member States and Third Parties who capture and submit facial images to Europol (taken from the front, both sides and both 3/4 sides) do not have direct access to FACE. Instead, facial images are entered in the database by accredited Europol officials.1
As a rule, all submitted images for a known individual (regardless of the pose) will be stored in FACE. If multiple similar images are submitted for a certain known individual within the framework of an ongoing investigation, Europol officials who are responsible for performing the FR searches, will select and process only a selection of them (typically, the most representative ones).
Besides images, FACE includes information about a contribution file and crime, but not other biometric or biographic data. FACE is currently a standalone database that is not linked to Europol's information management system.
Facial images are retained in FACE according to the time-limits for storage and erasure of personal data that are stipulated in Art. 31 of the Europol Regulation.1
References
- a b c "Summary Report of the project “Towards the European Level Exchange of Facial Images” (TELEFI)". (2021) <https://www.telefi-project.eu/sites/default/files/TELEFI_SummaryReport.pdf> Accessed: 2021-03-12