UK: Police to Deploy New Facial Recognition Vans Nationwide

Published AUG 13

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Above: Police officers at Oxford Circus on May 13, 2025 in London, England. Image copyright: Leon Neal/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

Facial recognition, when used fairly and with strict safeguards, is a vital tool for modern policing. Live facial recognition can help identify wanted suspects quickly, protect the public, and deter serious crime. With clear rules, oversight, and transparency, it offers a proportionate, targeted, and highly effective way to keep communities safe.

Metropolitan Police X

Establishment-critical narrative

Facial recognition may seem convenient for policing, but it risks turning Britain into a surveillance state. With no legislative oversight, broad watchlists, and a history of bias and misidentification, it threatens privacy, erodes trust, and can disproportionately target minority communities. Safety must not come at the cost of fundamental freedoms.

X Liberty