Summary
The UK's equality regulator, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), has criticized the Metropolitan Police's use of live facial recognition technology. The EHRC argues that the current use of the technology violates human rights laws by not being necessary and proportionate. The Met Police, however, claims their use is legal and necessary for catching criminals.
Key Facts
- The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) criticized the Metropolitan Police for using live facial recognition technology.
- The EHRC claims the technology is used in a way that violates human rights laws.
- The technology scans people's faces on CCTV and compares them to a watchlist of people sought by the police.
- The Met Police states that over 1,000 arrests have been made using this technology since January 2024.
- There is an upcoming judicial review in January 2026 where the EHRC will participate.
- The EHRC believes the current policy of the Met Police does not meet necessary human rights standards.
- Civil rights groups argue the technology invades privacy and risks misidentification.
- The Met Police defends its use due to potential crime reduction benefits, despite lacking specific UK legislation on its use.
