UK police to deploy live facial recognition on Oxford Street

The Metropolitan police are reportedly planning to implement live facial recognition (LFR) technology on Oxford Street, London's busiest shopping thoroughfare, by Christmas. This initiative, supported by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, would establish permanent LFR infrastructure that scans the faces of passersby and matches them against a watchlist of wanted individuals. The cameras are expected to be fixed, potentially attached to street furniture like lamp-posts, a departure from the temporary police van deployments used in previous trials.

Human rights groups have voiced strong opposition to the plan, with one organization describing it as an escalation of routine public surveillance. Concerns have also been raised about the technology's potential to discriminate against Black individuals due to algorithmic bias. The Metropolitan Police intend to deploy static LFR cameras in the West End and Soho, areas known for high crime rates, and have already begun deploying the technology in tube stations.

Ruth Ehrlich of Liberty stated that the deployment on Oxford Street would represent a significant expansion of surveillance and urged for full transparency regarding its use, safeguards, and impact on rights. She also called for the government to establish a legal framework before law enforcement agencies expand facial recognition use. Recent polling commissioned by Liberty indicated public opposition to scanning faces on high streets without an imminent threat.

Jasleen Chaggar from Big Brother Watch echoed these concerns, comparing face-scanning to fingerprinting and questioning the intrusiveness of the technology. A spokesperson for the Mayor of London, however, stated that the introduction of LFR is part of efforts to make Oxford Street a safe and world-class destination. The spokesperson highlighted the Met's use of advanced technology, including LFR, to combat crime and noted a decrease in neighbourhood crime in Westminster, suggesting LFR will further help reduce crime rates. The mayor's office committed to transparency and oversight of LFR use to build public trust.