We have held regular discussions with the police raising our concerns on the use of facial recognition, but a police operational decision has been taken to make use of the technology.
I am committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all our residents. However, it is equally important that we uphold the fundamental rights to privacy and freedom; that’s why I am again voicing my opposition to the use of facial recognition software by the police in Newham.
Facial recognition technology, while innovative, raises significant concerns regarding privacy, civil liberties and the potential for misuse. The deployment of this technology in public spaces infringes upon the privacy of our residents, subjecting them to surveillance without their consent. This level of intrusion erodes the trust between the community and the law enforcement agencies tasked with protecting it.
Studies have also demonstrated that facial recognition software is prone to bias and inaccuracies, disproportionately affecting those from minority ethnic backgrounds. The implications of these biases are profound and unacceptable, as they can lead to wrongful identifications, false accusations and undue harassment of innocent citizens. We cannot afford to endorse a technology that disproportionately harms marginalised groups.
In Newham, we must prioritise solutions that promote public safety while respecting the rights and dignity of all residents. I urge the police and relevant authorities to reconsider the continued deployment of facial recognition technology and to engage with the community in developing alternative methods that ensure both security and the protection of our fundamental freedoms.
