Facial recognition scrutiny should extend beyond policing

Facial recognition technology is becoming more common in the UK, where police forces are expanding both retrospective searches and live facial recognition (LFR). But attention to police use risks overlooking its growing use by private organizations, including retailers, argues Tony Kounnis in TechRadar.

Purpose and context can shape public attitudes. An independent survey of 2,000 UK adults commissioned by Face Int earlier this year found that 73% supported police use of facial recognition, compared with 54% for use in retail. The survey also found that 57% were concerned about how images of their faces are stored, while 43% said clear laws would increase their trust in the technology.

Kounnis argues that accuracy is only part of the issue: people also need clarity about how facial data is collected, processed and stored, and who is responsible for it. UK use is governed by a patchwork of laws, including the Data Protection Act and the Human Rights Act. The article contrasts this with the EU AI Act, whose additional biometric identification requirements are due to take effect in December 2027.

The article calls for transparent explanations before data is captured, privacy protections built into systems from the outset, limited data retention, restricted and recorded access, staff training and clear breach-response processes. It also says facial recognition matches should remain alerts for human review. The source ends mid-sentence while discussing the UK government’s approach, so it does not provide a complete account of that point.