What's Happening?
The UK's Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has raised concerns about the Metropolitan Police's use of live facial recognition technology (LFR). The regulator argues that the current deployment of LFR by the Met breaches human rights law, as it is not used in a necessary and proportionate manner. Despite the Met's claim of making over 1,000 arrests since January 2024 using LFR, the EHRC believes the policy falls short of required standards. The EHRC has been granted permission to intervene in an upcoming judicial review concerning the Met's use of this surveillance tool. The Met maintains that its use of LFR is lawful and proportionate, supported by the Court of Appeal's confirmation that the police can use LFR under Common Law powers.
AD
Why It's Important?
The use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement agencies has sparked significant debate regarding privacy and human rights. The criticism from the EHRC highlights the ongoing tension between technological advancements in policing and the protection of individual rights. If the judicial review supports the EHRC's stance, it could lead to stricter regulations on the use of LFR, impacting how police forces across the UK and potentially in other countries deploy such technologies. This case underscores the need for clear guidelines and safeguards to ensure that surveillance technologies are used responsibly and ethically.
What's Next?
The upcoming judicial review will be a critical moment for the Metropolitan Police and its use of facial recognition technology. Depending on the outcome, there could be changes in policy or the introduction of new regulations governing the use of LFR. Stakeholders, including privacy advocates and law enforcement agencies, will be closely monitoring the proceedings. The decision could set a precedent for how facial recognition technology is regulated in the UK, influencing similar debates in other jurisdictions.
