This article examines the implications of the emergence of facial recognition technologies, as well as their limitations and capabilities, for the right to peaceful assembly, with particular emphasis on their deployment by states and local authorities in the context of public protests. While underscoring the implications of the use of facial recognition technologies for fundamental rights and freedoms, the article assesses the scope of the lawful use of such technologies in light of international human rights instruments and the jurisprudence of international judicial and quasi-judicial bodies. Employing a descriptive-analytical methodology, the study demonstrates that states may not legitimately conduct facial recognition-based surveillance in the absence of the constraints imposed by international and regional human rights law. Rather, they are required, in compliance with their international obligations, to adopt appropriate legal and technical regulatory measures governing the day-to-day operation and deployment of these technologies. In this regard, states should give due consideration to the human rights concerns arising from the use of facial recognition technologies in the context of peaceful assemblies and progressively address such concerns through measures aimed at facilitating and managing assemblies, as well as through comprehensive legislative reform.
Salehi, H., & Rafie Saadi, A. R. (2026). The Use of Facial Recognition Technology in the Surveillance of Peaceful Assemblies: An International Human Rights Law Analysis. (e108809). Public Law Studies Quarterly, (), e108809 https://doi.org/10.22059/jplsq.2026.417546.4017
MLA
Salehi, H., & Rafie Saadi, A. R. "The Use of Facial Recognition Technology in the Surveillance of Peaceful Assemblies: An International Human Rights Law Analysis" .e108809 , Public Law Studies Quarterly, , 2026, e108809. doi: 10.22059/jplsq.2026.417546.4017
HARVARD
Salehi H., Rafie Saadi A. R. (2026). 'The Use of Facial Recognition Technology in the Surveillance of Peaceful Assemblies: An International Human Rights Law Analysis', Public Law Studies Quarterly, (), e108809. doi: 10.22059/jplsq.2026.417546.4017
CHICAGO
H. Salehi & A. R. Rafie Saadi, "The Use of Facial Recognition Technology in the Surveillance of Peaceful Assemblies: An International Human Rights Law Analysis," Public Law Studies Quarterly, (2026): e108809, doi: 10.22059/jplsq.2026.417546.4017
VANCOUVER
Salehi H., Rafie Saadi A. R. The Use of Facial Recognition Technology in the Surveillance of Peaceful Assemblies: An International Human Rights Law Analysis. PLSQ. 2026;():e108809 (In Persian). doi: 10.22059/jplsq.2026.417546.4017
