Met Police’s Facial Recognition Plans Face Human Rights Scrutiny

The Metropolitan Police’s initiative to expand the deployment of live facial recognition (LFR) cameras in London has drawn significant criticism from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). The commission asserts that the use of these cameras could violate human rights laws and potentially discourage individuals from exercising their rights. This announcement comes just as the police finalize plans to utilize this technology at the upcoming Notting Hill Carnival.

This year’s carnival follows a troubled 2025 event that saw tragic incidents, including the fatal stabbing of Cher Maximen in front of her young daughter and the unrelated assault on chef Mussie Imnetu, which resulted in severe head injuries. In response, police officials believe that LFR technology, primarily mounted on vans, will aid in crime prevention by scanning faces and matching them against criminal databases.

Despite claims from the Metropolitan Police that LFR has contributed to over 1,000 arrests and 773 charges, civil liberties advocates are raising alarms about the implications of such surveillance measures. Critics suggest that the capital is entering an era of pervasive surveillance, threatening personal freedom.

The EHRC has been granted permission to participate in a judicial review concerning the deployment of these cameras, a case initiated by Silkie Carlo, the director of Big Brother Watch, and Shaun Thompson, a prominent anti-knife crime campaigner. Thompson has publicly shared his negative experience with the technology, stating he was wrongly identified as a criminal. He described this incident as “gross mistreatment.”

John Kirkpatrick, chief executive of the EHRC, emphasized the importance of privacy and freedom of expression, stating, “The law is clear: everyone has the right to privacy, to freedom of expression and to freedom of assembly. These rights are vital for any democratic society.” He underscored the necessity for strict regulations ensuring that LFR is employed only when absolutely necessary and with appropriate safeguards in place.

Understanding Live Facial Recognition Technology

Live facial recognition technology functions by identifying a face within a still image or video. It distinguishes facial features and constructs a “numerical expression” that can be matched against extensive databases containing previously mapped faces. Although proponents argue that this method can enhance public safety, the EHRC warns that the current Metropolitan Police policies do not comply with legal and human rights standards.

Public Reactions to Surveillance Measures

Public opinion on the use of LFR cameras is divided. In Croydon, a borough that has experienced a surge in violent crime—over 10,000 incidents reported in a single year—some residents express support for increased surveillance. Akosua Murphy, a local resident for 17 years, articulated her concerns, saying, “Every day I pray my grandchildren come home safe; crime is out of control.”

Similarly, Shannon Kirwin, who manages a family food van, noted the violent incidents she has witnessed. Despite her welcome of measures to curb crime, she raised questions about the efficacy of the cameras, pointing out that many offenders conceal their identities with balaclavas.

As the Metropolitan Police prepares for the Notting Hill Carnival, the debate surrounding the balance between public safety and individual rights continues to intensify. The outcome of the EHRC’s intervention in the judicial review may shape the future of LFR technology in London and beyond.