Facewatch is launching a system feature in the UK this autumn that will alert police within an average of four seconds when a serious offender triggers a live facial recognition match in monitored stores. The technology is currently used by more than 100 businesses, including Sainsbury’s, B&M, and Spar, to monitor thieves. Civil liberties groups have warned that the development represents a dangerous escalation in retail surveillance that has advanced far ahead of regulation. Liberty policy officer Charlie Whelton raised concerns over contacting police about people who have not committed a crime, noting that the technology is fallible and makes mistakes. A number of shoppers have already been forced to leave stores after being falsely identified as shoplifters by the system.

Background: Facial Recognition in Policing

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