The Metropolitan Police recently deployed live facial recognition (LFR) technology in Lewisham, specifically in Catford, to enhance public safety and identify individuals with outstanding arrest warrants. The decision to use LFR was announced via social media, but local councilors have criticized the lack of prior community engagement.
New Cross Gate councilor Liam Shrivastava, along with other local representatives, expressed concerns about the limited notice given to residents and the inadequate consultation process, which they believe undermines the community’s ability to scrutinize the technology.
At a July 2024 meeting, the Safer Stronger Communities Select Committee urged the council to collaborate with the police to ensure better communication with residents regarding LFR deployments. This follows previous concerns raised by councilors about the lack of transparency and community involvement in such decisions.
The committee had recommended that local stakeholders be better informed about how LFR technology is used and its local deployments to address community concerns and build trust.
Met Police Faces Criticism Over Live Facial Recognition Deployment in Lewisham Amid Privacy Concerns
Councillors have also criticized the police for not providing sufficient oversight or detailed information about LFR deployments. Specifically, they have pointed out the absence of demographic data and details on false matches, which raises concerns given the borough’s diverse population.
The Met Police has confirmed that its LFR watchlists are not searchable by protected characteristics and that data on scans and demographics are not recorded or published, which adds to the scrutiny over the technology’s application and accountability.
Despite these criticisms, a Met Police spokesperson defended the LFR deployments, claiming strong support from residents and businesses. The spokesperson highlighted that the police have conducted briefings and community engagement sessions to address concerns and have adjusted their tactics based on feedback.
However, they maintain that LFR deployment details are not shared in advance to avoid potential disruption and ensure the effectiveness of their operations.
The broader context involves ongoing debates about the legal frameworks governing the use of facial recognition technology in the UK. Various bodies, including parliamentary committees and human rights organizations, have called for clearer regulations and oversight.
Critics argue that existing legislation does not adequately address the use of such technology, leading to concerns about privacy and civil liberties. Despite these issues, there are plans to expand the use of facial recognition, which has faced opposition from civil rights advocates concerned about its implications for personal freedoms.
