Met Police Slammed Over Live Facial Recognition Fears
The Met Police have been told to hit the brakes on Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology — and fast. London Assembly Green Party member Zoë Garbett has fired off a warning that this tech could trample over people’s privacy and civil rights.
Facial Recognition Usage Soars in London
After 10-plus years of trials, the Met is now unleashing LFR at big events like last year’s stormy Notting Hill Carnival. Cops claim the tech has nabbed more than 1,700 dangerous criminals across London since January.
Met spokesperson: “Live Facial Recognition has taken more than 1,700 dangerous offenders off the streets since the start of 2024, including those wanted for serious offences, such as violence against women and girls.”
Campaigners Raise Privacy Alarm
Critics say LFR is a blatant invasion of privacy, unfairly targeting Black, Asian, and mixed-ethnicity communities. Garbett slammed the system for flipping the legal principle of “innocent until proven guilty” on its head by scanning every passerby’s face.
“Walking down a street in London and having your face scanned and compared against a list of wanted people is essentially being part of an identification parade,” Garbett said.
She also blasted the Met for hiding data on how well the system actually works, demanding transparency on costs and a crackdown on bias.
No Laws Regulate This High-Tech Surveillance
There is currently no specific UK law governing LFR, leaving it virtually unregulated. Civil rights groups are challenging the Met in the High Court over its unchecked use.
Despite this, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood plans to expand LFR nationwide, boosting the number of vans from 10 to 50 in England and Wales.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan is solid on LFR, calling it “vital” for fighting crime but promising it will stay “legal, ethical and effective.”
Met spokesperson: “This success has meant 85 per cent of Londoners support our use of the technology to keep them safe. Each deployment is carefully planned in areas with the greatest threat to public safety. We await the High Court’s decision and remain confident LFR use is lawful and transparent.”
Green Assembly Member Demands Immediate Halt
Garbett is calling for an urgent freeze on all LFR until laws limit it strictly to “the most serious crimes.” She wants Mayor Khan to pressure ministers for proper regulation, following the EU’s cautious and limited approach.
“It cannot come at the cost of civil liberties. Until safeguards are in place, we should not be using LFR,” she said. “The Deputy Mayor has recognised concerns but hasn’t backed stronger recommendations. I hope these voices are heard loud and clear.”
