Armenia's FRT Surveillance Law Raises Global Privacy and Democracy Concerns

Published Date : 7/8/2025 

Armenia's recent approval of real-time facial recognition technology (FRT) surveillance has ignited debates about privacy, civil liberties, and the balance between security and democratic principles. The law, which grants police round-the-clock access to biometric cameras across public spaces, faces criticism from human rights groups and international observers. 

Armenia's parliament has passed contentious amendments to its Law on Police, allowing the Ministry of Internal Affairs to deploy a nationwide network of real-time biometric surveillance cameras. The law, set to take effect on August 9, has drawn sharp criticism from civil society organizations and international watchdogs over its potential to erode privacy, suppress free expression, and undermine democratic safeguards. n nThe surveillance system, equipped with facial recognition technology (FRT), will monitor state and municipal buildings, public transport, airports, parking areas, and cultural institutions. FRT will automatically identify individuals for both serious offenses and minor violations, triggering automated administrative penalties. This expansion of surveillance capabilities has raised alarms about the lack of clear legal boundaries and oversight. n nArmenia lacks a comprehensive legal framework governing the use of AI technologies like FRT. The only existing provision is found in the amended Article 19 of the Law on Police, which mandates personnel identification, electronic access logs, timestamps on footage, and liability for violations. However, critics argue that the law's vague language—particularly the phrase 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: When does Armenia's new surveillance law take effect?

A: The law is set to take effect on August 9, granting the Ministry of Internal Affairs round-the-clock access to biometric surveillance cameras.

Q: What are the main concerns about Armenia's FRT law?

A: Critics argue the law lacks a comprehensive legal framework, enabling vague enforcement of biometric surveillance for minor offenses and raising privacy and freedom of assembly issues.

Q: How does the EU-Armenia partnership relate to this law?

A: The EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) emphasizes human rights, but the new surveillance law has sparked calls for independent reviews by bodies like the OSCE/ODIHR.

Q: What role do civil society organizations play in this debate?

A: Groups like CSO Meter highlight the law's ambiguity and push for oversight, arguing that ministerial interpretations could lead to abuse of power.

Q: How does Armenia's surveillance law compare to other countries?

A: Similar debates are occurring in Hungary, the UK, and the Balkans, where FRT use is scrutinized for potential restrictions on freedoms like LGBTQ+ rights and protest activities. 

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