Responding to the Metropolitan Police’s announcement that they will soon start using facial recognition cameras in London, Allan Hogarth, Amnesty International UK’s Head of Policy and Government Affairs, said:

“The Met Police’s decision to introduce facial recognition tech poses a huge threat to human rights – and is contrary to multiple warnings from Amnesty and other rights groups, MPs and independent experts.

“This technology puts many human rights at risk, including the rights to privacy, non-discrimination, freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.

“Its introduction must be put on hold until these significant concerns are addressed.

“This is no time to experiment with this powerful technology that is being used without adequate transparency, oversight and accountability.“