Legality of UK facial recognition technology
British lawmakers question legality of live facial recognition technology
Members of the House of Lords have written to the United Kingdom’s home secretary warning that the use of live facial recognition technology by police lacks a legal basis, and calling for legislation on the matter to be voted on by Parliament. Why it matters:
- British lawmakers, specifically the House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee, have raised concerns about the legality of live facial recognition (LFR) technology used by the police in England and Wales.
- The committee is calling for legislation to regulate the use of LFR technology, emphasizing the need for proper scrutiny and accountability, as well as a parliamentary vote on the matter.
- Alongside civil liberties concerns, questions have been raised about the accuracy of LFR technology, with an independent study finding an 81% inaccuracy rate in flagging individuals. Despite previous calls for a moratorium and a Court of Appeal judgment, police in the UK continue to use the technology without specific legislation regulating its deployment.
