Context
Following a Westminster Hall debate, Sir John Whittingdale is concerned about the potential escalation in use of live facial recognition technology with the deployment of fixed cameras in Croydon.
Question
Although I recognise that the use of facial recognition technology can lead to more offenders being caught, does the Minister accept that deployment of a permanent network of fixed cameras across Croydon represents a significant escalation in their use, which makes it all the more important that a clear legislative framework governing their use is debated and approved by Parliament?
Answer from The Minister for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention (Dame Diana Johnson)
I fully accept that there is a need to consider live facial recognition. At the moment the law governing the use of that technology comes from various different things—human rights and equalities legislation, and other measures—and we want to see whether that should be brought together. That is why I have been having a series of meetings over the last few months. As I said, we will set out our plans for live facial recognition in the coming months.
Not addressed: Significant escalation and need for legislative framework debate
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