The Use of Facial Recognition in Document Checks

The new criminal justice bill has quietly introduced a change in the law, granting the police access to facial recognition searches on a database of 50 million UK driving licence holders. This authorization means that, should the police need to identify an individual from a CCTV image or a photo shared on social media, they will have the capability to search driving licence records for a match.

Privacy campaigners have expressed apprehension about this development, contending that every driver in the country could effectively be placed in a permanent police lineup. They argue that facial recognition technology poses a threat to privacy rights, freedom of expression, non-discrimination, and freedom of assembly and association.

Despite the fact that the bill does not explicitly state the intention to provide the police with access to driving licence records, the new law enables the home secretary to establish “driver information regulations” for this purpose, with only a consultation with police bodies required.

Numerous critics have articulated their concerns regarding the lack of oversight of facial recognition systems and the potential bias against individuals from black and Asian communities. With the government’s heightened enthusiasm for integrating different databases for police use, there is a strong call for more public debate and consultation over these new powers.

The absence of a public announcement and consultation regarding this plan has prompted inquiries about the legitimacy of the new powers. Civil liberties groups and legal experts have expressed worries about the increased surveillance and snooping powers that could subject every driving licence holder in the country to suspicion.

Following the 2020 ruling that the utilization of facial recognition technology by South Wales police violated privacy and data protection laws, concerns about privacy and potential biases in facial recognition technology persist as a point of contention. Despite this, the police continue to use the technology, with its application being expanded to events such as Christmas markets.

The decision to grant the police access to driving licence records for facial recognition searches is viewed as a shortcut to widespread surveillance by the state, prompting concerns about the implications of such powers for citizens’ rights and freedoms.

In conclusion, as the government quietly introduces legislative changes to expand police powers, the growing use of facial recognition technology for document checks raises urgent concerns about privacy, data protection, and potential bias. There is an increasing need for public debate, consultation, and oversight to ensure the protection of individual rights and freedoms.