NSW suggests facial recognition could replace Opal cards in 'not too distant future'

Labor says transport minister's speech 'curious' and plan would carry major privacy risks

Facial recognition could be used to replace swipe cards on public transport, the New South Wales government has suggested, but the opposition and digital rights groups say it would pose a risk to privacy.

The transport minister, Andrew Constance, said on Tuesday he wanted commuters "in the not too distant future" to be able to board trains using only their faces, with no need for Opal cards, barriers or turnstiles.