Met Police to Expand Live Facial Recognition into Central London by Christmas

The Metropolitan Police (Met) is set to expand its use of live facial recognition (LFR) technology, first deploying fixed cameras in London’s West End and Soho by Christmas, followed by six additional areas in 2027. The cameras will be attached to street furniture such as lampposts.

The Met has previously trialed LFR using mobile vans and a static camera in Croydon, south London, which it deems a success. During a six-month pilot scanning 470,000 faces, 173 arrests were made with only one false identification (the person was not arrested). Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley stated that around 80% of Londoners support the technology.

Critics, including Big Brother Watch, raise privacy concerns. Silkie Carlo from the group said: “Forcing people to enter a digital police lineup in the capital’s busiest and most popular destinations is an affront to the idea that you should not have to identify yourself to the police if you have done nothing wrong.” The Met insists that camera locations will be advertised in advance and that non-matching faces are deleted almost instantly. The force claims the algorithm has been adjusted to nearly eliminate bias against black people, though critics remain skeptical.

Under the plan, from 2027 LFR cameras will be placed in six further areas, with the Met hoping local councils will contribute to costs. Police believe LFR frees up officer time amid financial strains and helps combat crime.