An article in The Herald (£) discusses the need to ensure a delicate balance between law enforcement and individual rights following an increase in the use of facial recognition technology by Police Scotland, which has raised concerns about privacy, civil liberties and possible overreach. The rise in searches of the facial matching function on the police database from under 1,300 in 2018 to nearly 4,000 in 2022, with more than 2,000 searches carried out in the first four months of 2023, has led to questions about the potential for abuse and the need for clear regulations. This issue is part of a broader discussion about the boundaries of police powers and the importance of protecting individual freedoms.
In related news, Scottish Legal News reports that the Scottish Liberal Democrats have filed 40 parliamentary questions concerning Police Scotland’s proposed use of live facial recognition technology to track down and apprehend violent criminals. Their aim is to force the Scottish government to explain how such measures are compatible with equalities and civil liberties concerns.
Liam McArthur MSP asked the questions after Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell said that she supported the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and live facial recognition technology at a press conference in September.
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