The Growing Concerns Surrounding the Expansion of Live Facial Recognition Technology: The Need for Proper Scrutiny and Accountability

Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology has become an increasingly valuable tool for police forces in their efforts to combat crime. However, there is a pressing concern that its use is being expanded without sufficient scrutiny and accountability. In order to address these concerns, it is crucial to examine the potential risks and limitations associated with LFR deployment, as well as the need for a clear legal framework and comprehensive regulation.

Acknowledgement of Updated Policies and Procedures

While it is commendable that police forces have taken steps to update their policies and procedures following the Court of Appeal judgment in Bridges in 2020, it is essential to highlight that this judgment was based on a narrow point on equality. We cannot simply wait for the legality of LFR deployment to be tested again in the courts; the government must take proactive measures to ensure that proper regulation is in place.

Legislative framework for LFR deployment

In order to ensure accountability and clarity, there must be a legislative framework authorized by Parliament to regulate the deployment of LFR technology. This framework would provide a solid legal foundation and help address the concerns raised about the discretionary powers currently vested in individual police officers. It is necessary to establish clear criteria for determining where and when LFR can be deployed.

Concerns raised by the Court of Appeal

In contrast to the evidence received from the police, the Court of Appeal in the Bridges judgment expressed serious concerns about the existing legal framework governing LFR. It highlighted “fundamental deficiencies” and questioned the lack of criteria for determining the deployment of LFR. These concerns emphasize the need for comprehensive regulation and scrutiny to safeguard against potential misuse of the technology.

Limitations of the Bridges case

It is important to note that the findings of the Bridges case were specific to that particular scenario and cannot be solely relied upon as a clear basis for the use of LFR. Regardless of the outcome in Bridges, the implementation of LFR should be firmly grounded in primary legislation. Relying solely on case law may leave room for ambiguity and inconsistency in its application.

Concerns about LFR implementation

One of the primary concerns surrounding the expansion of LFR is the discretion given to local officers in its implementation. This differs from one police force to another, which can lead to inconsistencies and potential misuse. To address this issue, a national compulsory LFR training program and standardized standards for England and Wales police forces should be adopted. This would ensure that officers are adequately trained and that the implementation of LFR aligns with uniform standards and principles.

Approval and Criteria for LFR “Watchlists”

Another area of concern is the creation of LFR “watchlists” containing suspected criminals. The process of approving individuals for inclusion on these watchlists should require proper scrutiny and accountability. There should be compulsory statutory criteria and standardized training for determining who is included in these lists, to ensure that they are not based on arbitrary or biased factors.

Regulation of Crowd-Sourcing Activity

Given the potential for extensive crowd screening using LFR technology, it is crucial to establish national regulations or guidelines governing its assessment. This would prevent the technology from being used disproportionately or indiscriminately. Such regulations should ensure that the use of LFR in crowd screening is proportionate, justified, and subject to appropriate oversight.

Embedding explainability in the LFR system

A crucial aspect of LFR technology is the need for explainability. It is imperative to consider how transparency and accountability can be embedded in the system. This would allow individuals subject to LFR to understand why they were flagged and ensure that decisions made by the technology are justifiable and non-discriminatory.

The expansion of Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology has raised valid concerns regarding accountability, discretion, and potential misuse. It is essential to address these concerns through proper legislative measures. A clear and understood legal foundation, supported by a legislative framework authorized by parliament, is necessary to regulate the deployment of LFR technology. Alongside this, the adoption of national compulsory LFR training programs, standardized criteria for watchlists, national guidelines for crowd-screening activity, and the incorporation of explainability within the LFR system are essential steps towards ensuring that LFR technology is used responsibly, transparently, and only when necessary. By implementing these measures, we can strike a balance between effective law enforcement and safeguarding individual rights and privacy.

Explore more

D365 Supply Chain Tackles Key Operational Challenges

Imagine a mid-sized manufacturer struggling to keep up with fluctuating demand, facing constant stockouts, and losing customer trust due to delayed deliveries, a scenario all too common in today’s volatile supply chain environment. Rising costs, fragmented data, and unexpected disruptions threaten operational stability, making it essential for businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMBs) and manufacturers, to find ways to

Cloud ERP vs. On-Premise ERP: A Comparative Analysis

Imagine a business at a critical juncture, where every decision about technology could make or break its ability to compete in a fast-paced market, and for many organizations, selecting the right Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system becomes that pivotal choice—a decision that impacts efficiency, scalability, and profitability. This comparison delves into two primary deployment models for ERP systems: Cloud ERP

Selecting the Best Shipping Solution for D365SCM Users

Imagine a bustling warehouse where every minute counts, and a single shipping delay ripples through the entire supply chain, frustrating customers and costing thousands in lost revenue. For businesses using Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management (D365SCM), this scenario is all too real when the wrong shipping solution disrupts operations. Choosing the right tool to integrate with this powerful platform

How Is AI Reshaping the Future of Content Marketing?

Dive into the future of content marketing with Aisha Amaira, a MarTech expert whose passion for blending technology with marketing has made her a go-to voice in the industry. With deep expertise in CRM marketing technology and customer data platforms, Aisha has a unique perspective on how businesses can harness innovation to uncover critical customer insights. In this interview, we

Why Are Older Job Seekers Facing Record Ageism Complaints?

In an era where workforce diversity is often championed as a cornerstone of innovation, a troubling trend has emerged that threatens to undermine these ideals, particularly for those over 50 seeking employment. Recent data reveals a staggering surge in complaints about ageism, painting a stark picture of systemic bias in hiring practices across the U.S. This issue not only affects