Facial recognition trial yields no arrests, costs £320,000

A six-month pilot of live facial recognition technology (LFR) in London railway stations concluded with one false match and no arrests, according to a freedom of information document. The trial, which ran from February to July, cost more than £320,000 and utilised nearly 100 hours of police time, scanning over half a million faces. British Transport Police (BTP) are extending the trial for an additional four months, incorporating London Underground stations.

Limited Success in Identifying Suspects

The single alert generated by the LFR system identified an individual incorrectly. BTP stated that since the trial's extension, there have been three positive alerts for individuals confirmed to be complying with sexual harm prevention orders or other court conditions. However, these did not stem directly from LFR alerts and are therefore not included in the official performance data. The BTP spokesperson noted that the pilot's objective was to assess how the technology could best assist in identifying wanted offenders and those who might pose a risk to passengers and staff. Associated arrests for offences including assault, theft, and public order offences were made during the pilot, but these were not a direct result of LFR alerts.

Fraser Sampson, a director at Facewatch, a company operating facial recognition systems, commented that while the technology itself functions, its application in public transport differs significantly from its use in retail environments. He suggested the trial had not been particularly fruitful in catching individuals. Mr Sampson explained that the effectiveness of LFR relies heavily on the police watchlists used; individuals not on these lists are not detected or retained in the same manner as standard CCTV footage.

Future Aims and Privacy Concerns

Transport for London (TfL) intends to deploy LFR technology to identify individuals on police watchlists at key stations, with a specific focus on addressing violence against women and girls. This initiative aims to combat the impact of sexual harassment and offences on women's travel behaviour. The use of LFR is expanding across the UK, with over half of police forces in England and Wales reportedly using it on public streets. The Met Police and the Mayor of London's office have also announced plans for fixed LFR cameras in the West End, including Oxford Street.

However, the rollout has raised privacy concerns. Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy called for a halt to the deployment of LFR technology until stronger safeguards and a comprehensive legal framework are established, describing it as a significant invasion of privacy. A report from parliament's joint committee on human rights also highlighted the risks associated with LFR technology as a clear example of potential threats to human rights posed by artificial intelligence.

What Happens Next

British Transport Police will continue the live facial recognition technology trial for a further four months, expanding its deployment to include London Underground stations. The effectiveness and implications of the technology on public transport networks will continue to be monitored.