I call the meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 19 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(3)(h) and the motion adopted by the committee on Monday, December 13, 2021, the committee is resuming its study of the use and impact of facial recognition technology.
Today’s meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the House order of November 25, 2021. Members are attending in person in the room and remotely by using the Zoom application.
I have a couple of comments for the benefit of witnesses. We have witnesses in the room and witnesses participating by Zoom. Please wait until I recognize your name before speaking. If you are participating by Zoom, click on the microphone icon to activate your mike, and please mute yourself when not speaking. In the room, your mike should be controlled—you shouldn't have to hit the button—but just be aware and make sure that your microphone is lit up before you speak. I'll remind you that comments should be addressed through the chair.
Now I would like to welcome our witnesses.
We have, from Microsoft, Owen Larter, director responsible for artificial intelligence public policy; and from the National Council of Canadian Muslims, we have Mustafa Farooq, chief executive officer; and Rizwan Mohammad, advocacy officer.
We will start with Mr. Larter.
You have up to five minutes for your opening statement.