Editor’s Note
This article discusses the planned deployment of AI-powered smart glasses with facial recognition by Delhi Police for Republic Day 2026 security. While presented as a tool to enhance safety and efficiency, such technologies raise significant questions about privacy, potential bias, and the scope of surveillance in public spaces. We encourage readers to consider both the operational benefits and the broader societal implications of these systems.
Republic Day 2026: Delhi Police will use ‘smart glasses’ equipped with an integrated Facial Recognition System (FRS) to strengthen security arrangements for Republic Day. This technology will prove highly helpful in identifying criminals or suspicious persons on the spot and will reduce reliance on conventional investigation methods.
An officer said on Wednesday that these Artificial Intelligence (AI)-equipped devices will be linked to the police database of criminals and suspects, helping personnel deployed on the ground to identify them instantly.
A senior police officer said,
This technology will prove highly helpful in identifying criminals or suspicious persons on the spot and will reduce reliance on conventional investigation methods. This initiative is part of a comprehensive technology-based security plan that includes extensive CCTV surveillance, drone surveillance, integration of facial recognition software, and AI-based analysis to control crowds and detect suspicious behavior during the event.
Police security arrangements have been tightened in Srinagar ahead of Republic Day. Officials said security has been increased across the city and checks have been intensified to ensure the Republic Day celebrations are held in a peaceful and secure manner. Under the heightened security arrangements, police personnel have been deployed at key locations in the city.
Police have appealed for cooperation from the general public during checks and verification processes and have requested residents to inform the nearest police station or police control room about any suspicious activity.