Why scrutiny of facial recognition needs to extend beyond policing
Policing steals the headlines, but we must examine how facial recognition technology nationwide.
Facial recognition technology (FRT) is becoming increasingly common in the UK, with both police and private organizations utilizing it. Recent surveys show that public support for police use of FRT is higher than for retail use. However, the purpose and context of use, as well as the organization operating it, significantly influence public attitudes.
Police deployment of LFR is often clearly marked and announced, while retail use may be less obvious and less transparent about data usage. Concerns about data storage and privacy are common, with 57% of respondents worried about their facial images being stored. Legal frameworks for FRT in the UK are fragmented, and the EU AI Act is set to introduce more stringent requirements.
The UK government has proposed a new framework for law enforcement FRT, but not for private sector use. Responsible use of FRT should include transparency about data collection, retention, and security, as well as the need for human oversight. With the recent changes in government, there is an opportunity for a more cohesive approach to facial recognition, addressing its impact on various sectors.
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