Privacy Wanes in London as the Use of Facial Recognition Technology Expands

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Facial recognition Technology (FRT) works by mapping a person’s unique facial features, which can then be compared against watchlist databases to identify individuals. While cameras are typically deployed on vans for specific events, on March 30th, 2025, the Metropolitan Police announced a new pilot program that will involve mounting facial recognition cameras on street furniture in Croydon, South London.

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This development has raised concerns regarding the use and storage of personal data. Zoe Garbett, a Green Party member of the London Assembly, has described the scheme as "subjecting us to surveillance without our knowledge."

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The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) issued a statement on April 2nd, 2025, which reads:

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“Facial Recognition Technology can bring clear benefits in helping to prevent and detect crime, but it relies on processing large amounts of sensitive personal data. Therefore, its use must be necessary and proportionate, and its design must meet expectations of fairness and accuracy. The role of the ICO is to scrutinise how it is used in practice to ensure compliance with data protection law. We continue to work both with those using the technology and members of the public to support compliance and understanding of how the law applies.

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The use of FRT by the police is evolving, including with the introduction of officer initiated facial recognition (OIFR). People must be able to trust that technology is being used responsibly, and we are committed to ensuring appropriate use and improving public confidence about the safeguards surrounding its use. We have renewed our focus on police use of FRT this year and will publish further details when we launch our AI and biometrics strategy later in the Spring.”

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Stay tuned for updates.

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Sources:

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BBC - Street furniture to be used for facial recognition

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ICO - Statement on police use of facial recognition technology (FRT)

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