Case lost against Met Police over live facial ID

Two individuals have failed in their attempt to challenge the Metropolitan Police’s use of live facial recognition (LFR) in London through a High Court case. Shaun Thompson, a youth worker, and Silkie Carlo, associated with the campaign group Big Brother Watch, filed the lawsuit due to concerns about the potential misuse or biased application of facial recognition technology. Their legal team argued earlier this year that the system posed risks of arbitrary enforcement or racial discrimination.

Met Police defend LFR policy

The Met Police stated that the technology’s deployment since September 2024 is lawful, emphasizing its role in maintaining public order. They maintained that the policy provides sufficient clarity about when LFR is used, allowing citizens to understand the conditions under which their biometric data might be collected. One of the claimants, Thompson, was incorrectly identified by the system during its operation.

Lord Justice Holgate and Mrs Justice Farbey concluded in a 74-page ruling that the policy offers a reasonable level of transparency. They noted that while racial discrimination was a concern, the evidence supporting it was “only weakly suggested.” The judges also affirmed that the claimants’ human rights were not violated by the use of LFR.

Home Office expands LFR plans

The Home Office announced in January plans to increase the number of LFR-equipped vans from 10 to 50, making the technology accessible to all police forces in the UK. This move signals a broader adoption of the system across the nation.

“The courts confirmed our approach is lawful. The public supports its use. It works. And it helps us keep Londoners safe,” said Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley. He described the ruling as a “significant and important victory for public safety,” adding that the debate has shifted from whether LFR should be used to why it might be avoided.

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