LONDON, April 21 (Reuters) - A top court in Britain on Tuesday dismissed a legal challenge to the London police's use of live facial recognition technology, ruling that the force's policy does not
UK Court Rules London Police's Live Facial Recognition Use Is Lawful
Legal Challenge and Court Decision Overview
Background of the Case
LONDON, April 21 (Reuters) - A top court in Britain on Tuesday dismissed a legal challenge to the London police's use of live facial recognition technology, ruling that the force's policy does not breach human rights law.
Arguments Against Facial Recognition Policy
Community worker Shaun Thompson and civil liberties campaigner Silkie Carlo argued that the Metropolitan Police's policy on the overt use of live facial recognition unlawfully interfered with privacy, as well as and freedoms of expression and assembly, under the European Convention on Human Rights.
They argued the policy gave officers too much freedom in how they use the technology, making it unclear and hard for people to predict when it might be used under the convention.
Court's Rationale and Judgment
Dismissing the challenge, London's High Court said the policy was lawful and included enough limits to prevent arbitrary decisions.
Safeguards and Legal Standards
"The court concluded that the policy does not authorise arbitrary decision-making, has sufficient clarity and foreseeability, and provides adequate safeguards against abuse," a summary of the judgment said.
Neither Thompson's nor Carlo's rights under the convention had been breached, the court said, ruling that safeguards, such as limits on who can be added to facial recognition watchlists and where the technology can be used, met legal standards.
Response from the Metropolitan Police
The Metropolitan Police welcomed the ruling, saying it confirmed the force was acting lawfully in using the technology and that it could be used "responsibly and with care".
(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti;Editing by Catarina Demony)
