New safeguards for police facial recognition technology

The UK government is set to introduce robust legislation governing the use of facial recognition technology by the police, ensuring that it is employed fairly and safely. This move comes as facial recognition has proven invaluable in apprehending dangerous criminals, aiding law enforcement in removing thousands of offenders from the streets each year. With public trust in law enforcement and technology at stake, these laws are designed to create a framework that prioritises accountability and oversight.

To oversee the implementation of these new laws, an independent watchdog will be established. This body will be responsible for monitoring the use of both current and future technologies. The watchdog will have the authority to prevent police forces from using facial recognition if they fail to adhere to established guidelines. Current practices will be scrutinised to ensure compliance with updated standards, particularly regarding bias or discrimination based on age, gender, or race.

Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, remarked, “Facial recognition technology has been the biggest breakthrough for catching criminals since DNA matching, already helping police take thousands of dangerous criminals off our streets.” She emphasized the dual importance of maximising the effectiveness of the technology while safeguarding public interests, stating, “The benefits are clear, but we must ensure that its use is fair, safe and proportionate.”

This initiative follows a public consultation revealing widespread support for facial recognition among the public, alongside a desire for enhanced safeguards regarding its deployment. As part of the new laws, police will be required to ensure that facial recognition technology is used in a manner that is intelligence-led and proportionate. This means it should only be deployed in areas where there is a reasonable belief that wanted individuals might be located.

Statistics from pilot projects highlight the effectiveness of facial recognition technology. For instance, static live facial recognition cameras tested in Croydon led to 173 arrests, including those wanted for serious sexual offences, and contributed to a notable decrease in local crime rates. These results underline the potential of such technology in bolstering efforts against violence, particularly against women and girls.

Al Murray, Director of PoliceAI, stated, “Facial recognition technology is one of a number of proven capabilities that can help policing work more effectively to keep the public safe.” He added that the true benefits of these advancements lie in a combination of innovation with robust safeguards and transparency.

While existing regulations for facial recognition are convoluted, the government aims to unify the legal framework surrounding its use. The new watchdog will not only advise on standards but will also pursue enforcement actions against any police forces that fail to comply with the regulations. This could involve court injunctions restricting their use of technology.

Additionally, a separate legal framework will be created for private sector use of facial recognition, ensuring that businesses implement the technology responsibly and in a manner that complements law enforcement efforts.

These measures come in conjunction with an £11 million investment aimed at expanding the deployment of live facial recognition vans throughout police forces in England and Wales. This initiative reflects the government's significant reforms to policing, aimed at ensuring community safety within a modern context.

Neil Basu QPM, former head of Counter Terrorism Policing, noted, “Live facial recognition is a massive step forward for law enforcement – a digital 21st century step change in the tradition of fingerprints and DNA.” He conveyed confidence that with proper oversight, the technology could enhance safety and reduce crime.

Dal Babu, former Chief Superintendent at the Metropolitan Police, expressed support for these initiatives, stating, “Safe use of facial recognition is a valuable tool for effective policing.” He welcomed the government's commitment to engaging the public in conversations about technology usage in law enforcement.

As the Home Office prepares to roll out a new algorithm for retrospective facial recognition that has been rigorously tested for accuracy and bias, stakeholders have voiced their support for clear regulations. Sue Daley from techUK remarked, “Facial recognition is a powerful technology that offers real opportunities for law enforcement, but it’s right that the public’s concerns are properly addressed.” The path forward includes collaboration between the technology sector and the government, ensuring the public remains confident in the safety and efficacy of facial recognition technology in law enforcement.