The deployment of live face recognition cameras by South Wales Police at the Beyoncé concert in Cardiff has raised concerns as thousands of fans may be scanned. These cameras aim to identify individuals wanted for “priority offences.”
The use of the cameras at the Coronation event by the police has drawn criticism from human rights campaigners. Fraser Sampson, the Surveillance Camera watchdog, has highlighted the need for further examination to ensure there is no bias in the implementation of the technology.
Additionally, he cautioned that a proposed new law could potentially weaken the regulations governing the technology, which could result in surveillance practices similar to those seen in China.
Recent European legislation has supported a de facto prohibition on the use of live face recognition cameras in public areas. Approximately 60,000 fans are anticipated to gather in Cardiff city center for Beyoncé’s concert at Principality Stadium on Wednesday.
Using Artificial Intelligence, a live facial recognition camera functions by comparing faces with a predefined “watch list.” This watch list typically consists of individuals who are sought for various crimes, among other purposes.
According to South Wales Police, if an individual is not on a watch list, their biometric data will not be stored and will be promptly deleted. However, the CCTV footage is recorded and retained for a period of up to 31 days.
Furthermore, South Wales Police emphasizes that the determination to apprehend someone is not solely based on technology but involves officers who verify whether the alert generated by the cameras, using live footage from the street, corresponds to the individual sought.
South Wales Police has stated their intention to utilize facial recognition cameras at the Beyoncé concert in order to assist in identifying individuals wanted for priority offenses, uphold law enforcement efforts, and ensure the protection of children and vulnerable individuals.
A spokesperson clarified that “Facial Recognition is not mandatory for entry, and it will not be deployed within the stadium premises.” The BBC contacted other police forces to investigate whether similar camera usage is planned in other cities where Beyoncé’s performances are scheduled.
Police Scotland stated that they do not employ facial recognition technology. Northumbria Police opted not to provide a comment on the matter. The Metropolitan Police, on the other hand, declared that they would disclose any plans regarding the use of facial recognition technology in advance.
As reported by The Guardian, the technology was utilized at the Coronation event, scanning 68,000 faces against a watchlist comprising over 10,000 faces.
On Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police provided further information about its usage to Members of Parliament during the Commons Home Affairs Committee session.
Source : bbc.com