Committee Urges New Rules for Facial Recognition as UK Retail Crime Hits Record Levels

The UK House of Lords’ Justice and Home Affairs Committee has called for new regulations governing facial recognition technology, following an inquiry into rising retail crime. The committee’s investigation revealed that shoplifting incidents have reached unprecedented levels, with over 443,000 recorded cases in March 2024 – the highest figure in two decades – though this represents only a fraction of an estimated 17 million annual incidents.

The committee’s recommendations come as UK law enforcement expands its use of facial recognition technology through initiatives like Project Pegasus, which launched in September 2023 as a collaboration between police and 12 retail entities to identify repeat offenders.

Lord Foster of Bath emphasized the growing sophistication of retail crime. “The use of the historic term ‘shoplifting’ is outdated, particularly given the rising involvement of organised crime networks,” he said. “This terminology trivializes what has become a serious criminal enterprise.”

The committee’s key recommendations include establishing clear regulatory frameworks for private sector use of facial recognition technology, implementing more efficient crime reporting systems, and increasing funding for rehabilitation programs. The proposals align with broader government initiatives to integrate biometric identification systems across law enforcement databases.

Responding to the recommendations, the Home Office announced immediate measures including the removal of the £200 shop theft threshold and plans to classify assaults on retail workers as a specific criminal offense. The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) expressed support for the proposals, with Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman stating, “We are implementing comprehensive strategies to decrease thefts and pursue habitual offenders who cause distress within communities.”

The impact of retail crime on small businesses was highlighted by Tracey Robertson, co-owner of Paw Prints pet shops in Yorkshire, who reported annual losses of approximately £8,000 due to theft. Robertson emphasized that beyond financial losses, staff frequently face aggressive behavior from perpetrators.

The committee also recommended regulations to combat the online sale of stolen goods and supported making assaults on retail workers a standalone offense. These measures form part of a broader strategy to address what the committee describes as “unacceptable” levels of retail crime affecting communities across the UK.

Civil society organizations have raised concerns about the expanded use of facial recognition technology. The #SafetyNotSurveillance coalition, comprising 17 advocacy groups, has urged the Home Secretary to implement stronger safeguards for AI systems in policing, highlighting potential risks to privacy and civil liberties.

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November 7, 2024 – by Ali Nassar-Smith