UK Home Office plans new laws for police facial recognition, with an independent watchdog that can stop forces using it

The UK Home Office said on November 4 that it will introduce a specific law on police use of facial recognition. A new independent watchdog will oversee the technologies police use now and in future, and in extreme cases of non-compliance it can seek a court injunction that stops a force from using them. Any technology used by law enforcement must be independently tested for bias by age, gender or race. The law will also say police may use facial recognition only when it is intelligence-led and proportionate, meaning officers believe wanted people could be in the area. The government will write a legal code of practice for police with the new regulator, and a separate code for private businesses such as shops. The Home Office said the measures follow a public consultation.

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