British Transport Police (BTP) are expanding their use of Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology from today by deploying it in some of London’s busiest tube stations.
The first deployment by the BTP will take place at Victoria Underground station before it is rotated between various stations as the trial, which has now been extended to November, continues.
Police forces across the country have been ramping up their use of the technology, despite privacy advocates such as Big Brother Watch expressing concerns that its use is “Orwellian”.
The cameras work by scanning faces and comparing them to a watchlist of people who are wanted by the police or courts, or who are subject to conditions designed to protect the public. If there’s a match, then the system generates an alert. An officer will review the alert and carry out further checks before deciding whether any further action is necessary.
BTP said that anyone who prefers not to enter the recognition zone will have alternative routes available...