Police Scotland facial recognition expansion plan draws privacy concerns
Police Scotland has expanded its use of facial recognition technology, with searches rising from under 1,300 in 2018 to nearly 4,000 in 2022 and over 2,000 in the first four months of 2023. Critics and lawmakers are calling for an independent investigation into the live facial recognition plans, citing concerns about civil liberties, transparency, and potential discrimination.
What happened
Police Scotland has expanded its use of facial recognition technology, with facial matching function searches rising from under 1,300 in 2018 to nearly 4,000 in 2022, and more than 2,000 searches carried out in the first four months of 2023.
Police Scotland's five-year digitization plan includes real-time biometric analytics. Chief Constable Jo Farrell has publicly defended the technology, comparing it to cancer detection in the NHS and arguing it can help take violent criminals off the street quicker and keep children safe.
Reported impact
Critics describe the practices as 'Orwellian' and warn the technology could fundamentally alter the relationship between law enforcement and the public. Experts warn that widespread use of such surveillance tools may lead to a chilling effect on public freedom and trust, with citizens increasingly wary of being monitored in everyday settings.
Privacy campaigners argue that without proper oversight, the technology could lead to discrimination and unjust profiling. The lack of transparency regarding deployment and effectiveness has prompted demands for an independent review.
Index analysis
The Scottish Liberal Democrats, through Justice spokesperson Liam McArthur, have submitted 40 parliamentary questions concerning the policy, pressing the Scottish government for answers about its engagement with Police Scotland and the rollout of live facial recognition.
Scotland's biometrics commissioner accused Police Scotland's biometric evidence-sharing pilot of being criminal. McArthur has also urged expansion of the biometrics commissioner's role to encompass all types of biometric data, including facial recognition technology used in schools, retail stores, supermarkets, and various public spaces.
Governance controls
The introduction of facial recognition technology has been subject to no independent testing comparable to that required for new drugs or medical techniques, despite assurances of careful use.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.