NSW Police Scrutinized for Long-Term Use of Legacy Facial Recognition Algor

Published Date : 11/5/2025 

New South Wales Police have been using a legacy facial recognition algorithm since 2011 and declined updates, eventually replacing it with an in-house system. The decision was primarily driven by cost considerations. 

Australia’s New South Wales Police used a legacy facial recognition algorithm for over a decade and declined repeated offers of updates from the vendor, instead replacing it with a system adapted in-house from open-source code.

New information indicates that the decision to discontinue the use of the algorithm may be based largely on cost considerations, contrary to prior reports. The PhotoTrac Suspect Identification System (SIS), which is used by State Intelligence Command’s Facial Recognition Unit and NSW Police’s Real Time Intelligence Centre, used a biometric algorithm from Cognitec. NSW Police used the Cognitec software from 2011 through the beginning of this year, despite having never contracted technical support or updates for the software, the company tells Biometric Update in an email.

The facial recognition system began using an algorithm known as NYX, adapted from open-source facial recognition model FaceNet, in 2018. FaceNet was originally developed by Google researchers back in 2015.

Media reports and a Green MP have linked the decision to stop using the legacy algorithm to the discovery that the accuracy of facial recognition systems differs based on demographics. Cognitec’s representative told Biometric Update in the email that NSW Police never complained directly to the company about any problems related to bias. While independent figures for the demographic differentials of Cognitec’s 2011 algorithm are not available, from a 2018 update to 2024, the company’s false match rate for the demographic group with the most errors, West African females 65 years and over, fell from 1.9 percent to 0.5 percent in NIST testing.

Cognitec is supplying facial recognition algorithms bundled with other software and cameras to Australia’s major international airports.

Cognitec, a leading provider of biometric solutions, has been at the forefront of facial recognition technology for years. The company’s algorithms are used in various applications, from border control to law enforcement, ensuring high accuracy and reliability. Despite the controversy surrounding the use of facial recognition, Cognitec continues to innovate and improve its technology, addressing concerns about bias and accuracy. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What algorithm did NSW Police use from 2011 to 2021?

A: NSW Police used a biometric algorithm from Cognitec from 2011 to 2021.

Q: Why did NSW Police replace the Cognitec algorithm?

A: The decision to replace the Cognitec algorithm was primarily driven by cost considerations, contrary to earlier reports suggesting concerns about bias.

Q: What is the new algorithm used by NSW Police?

A: NSW Police began using an algorithm known as NYX, adapted from the open-source facial recognition model FaceNet, in 2018.

Q: What is the accuracy issue with facial recognition algorithms?

A: Facial recognition algorithms can have different accuracy rates based on demographics, with some groups being more prone to errors than others.

Q: What is Cognitec's current involvement in Australia?

A: Cognitec is supplying facial recognition algorithms bundled with other software and cameras to Australia’s major international airports. 

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