Met to extend live facial recognition to West End (opens original article in a new tab)

The Metropolitan Police plans to extend live facial recognition technology to London's West End and Soho, following successful trials that led to over 2,000 arrests. Critics argue the expansion is concerning without proper legal frameworks, while the force claims public support and effectiveness in reducing crime.

• The Met is expanding live facial recognition cameras to London's West End and Soho
• The technology led to 173 arrests during a Croydon pilot and over 2,000 arrests since 2024
• Human rights group Liberty calls the expansion 'very troubling' and urges a pause until legal safeguards are in place
• The Met claims 80% public support for the technology and states it helps target criminals without replacing officers