Information on Facial Recognition Technology

Adelaide’s Coopers Stadium, home of the Adelaide United Football Club, became the third venue of its kind in Australia to adopt facial recognition technology (FRT) in March 2024 as part of its efforts to enhance the safety and security of all visitors to the Stadium.

What is facial recognition technology?

Facial recognition technology (FRT) is the process by which an individual can be identified or verified from a digital image. FRT is a sophisticated security surveillance system that picks out distinguishing features of someone’s face shown in an image and matches these to faces already logged in Coopers Stadium’s database of banned patrons.

How does facial recognition technology work?

Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) is a sophisticated security surveillance system that works by detecting a face within a larger scene and analysing against a database of known faces in the Stadium’s database of banned patrons.

Coopers Stadium’s FRT system works by using cameras that scan public areas at Stadium entry points so that any persons of interest can be identified entering the venue. The system doesn’t prevent their entry, rather alerts Stadium Management for their awareness and human review, who will then action accordingly.

Why is facial recognition technology being used at Coopers Stadium?

FRT is being used at Coopers Stadium solely for security reasons to identify any persons of interest, including those who may have previously been banned from the Stadium for violations to its Conditions of Entry, or banned by the A-Leagues for breaches to its code of conduct.

Additional key points to note for visitors to the Stadium:

  • Ahead of its introduction, the Stadium updated its venue Conditions of Entry and signage at all entry points, with additional information published on both the Stadium’s website as well as the Adelaide United Football Club website to provide clear, visible notification that such technology is in use.
  • Coopers Stadium’s Conditions of Entry are displayed at all Stadium entrances, as well as available on the Coopers Stadium and AVM websites, with updates also referenced via the Stadium’s social media (Facebook) page.
  • Coopers Stadium’s approach is consistent with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) guidelines, with clear governance arrangements in place, including regular Privacy Impact Assessments. This helps ensure that the Stadium’s use of FRT continues to be necessary, and any use of biometric data remains in accordance the organisation’s privacy obligations.
  • Coopers Stadium does not disclose biometric data for use by any third-party entity, other than the appropriate law enforcement agencies if required.

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