Nations from EU and LAC reach consensus on promoting digital governance, establishing interoperable Digital Public Infrastructure for mutual development
The United Kingdom is set to increase its utilisation of facial recognition technology, with substantial funds allocated for this expansion. The plan, disclosed by UK police chiefs, aims to secure approximately £220 million annually over the next three years[3]. This funding boost is part of a broader initiative to bolster law enforcement with advanced technology.
Beginning this summer, permanent facial recognition cameras will be installed in Croydon, south London, signalling a notable shift towards the widespread use of live facial recognition cameras across England and Wales[1][4]. The Metropolitan Police has been testing this technology since 2020, with an estimated 800,000 people having their faces scanned.
The expansion is motivated by advances in the accuracy of facial recognition systems, as supported by research studies[5].
Driving factors behind this technology's expansion in the UK include enhanced security and crime prevention capabilities[1], improvements in the precision of facial recognition systems[5], and continued government support[1][4]. However, concerns persist about the lack of adequate regulation and governance frameworks, which critics claim could erode public trust and legal validity[1][2].
Businesses in the UK finance sector are now expressing interest in incorporating advanced facial recognition technology into their security systems, mirroring the government's initiative to bolster law enforcement. This move is largely driven by the improvements in the precision of facial recognition systems, as demonstrated through research studies.
