UK Policing Watchdog Warns of Lack of Legal Basis for Live Facial Recognition

The Justice and Home Affairs Committee has recently expressed concerns to the Home Secretary, James Cleverly, regarding the use of Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology by police forces in England and Wales. The Justice and Home Affairs Committee is a select committee within the House of Lords whose main function is to scrutinize government work in justice and law enforcement.

In a letter led by Baroness Hamwee, the Committee highlighted the absence of a clear legal basis and consistent regulatory standards for LFR deployment. The investigation, which builds on previous inquiries into technological advancements within the justice system, revealed a lack of uniform training and a standardized approach to LFR usage among police forces.

The Committee is advocating for the establishment of a legal framework that clearly defines the use, regulation, and oversight of LFR technology, ensuring it keeps pace with rapid technological advancements. Additionally, they emphasize the need for transparent communication with the public regarding LFR deployment to build trust and support for the technology’s use in policing.

Baroness Hamwee underscored the critical need for legal clarity and public trust in LFR, pointing out the potential for its expanded use without adequate oversight. The Committee’s concerns also extend to the international perspective, noting that England and Wales are moving faster than other democracies in applying LFR technology without comparable regulatory measures. The call to action urges the government to address these issues promptly to maintain public confidence in police operations and the ethical use of surveillance technologies.

The country’s Metropolitan Police force has been conducting regular deployments of LFR, resulting in dozens of arrests in recent weeks. Most recently, the Met announced a batch of arrests after deploying the technology in Croydon, with a number of individuals apprehended for failing to appear in court for previous offences.

Source: UK Parliament

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January 29, 2024 – by the FindBiometrics Editorial Team