MET POLICE EXPAND FACIAL RECOGNITION ACROSS LONDON

The expansion marks a significant increase in the Met's use of real-time facial recognition surveillance in the capital. West End deployment will precede further rollouts across other London locations next year. Critics argue the technology forces tens of thousands of people into a "digital police lineup" without explicit consent. Civil liberties groups have raised concerns about accuracy rates, potential bias, and mass surveillance implications. The Met has defended LFR as an effective tool for identifying suspects and locating missing persons. The technology compares live camera feeds against databases of wanted individuals. Previous trials of facial recognition in London generated controversy over privacy and data protection. The new fixed-camera approach differs from earlier mobile deployments at specific events and locations. The expansion comes as debates continue over surveillance powers, algorithmic bias, and proportionality in policing technology. The Met has not disclosed specific details about which six areas will receive cameras in 2024.