UK police to deploy AI facial recognition technology in Gaza-related investigations

UK Home Secretary Announces Expansion of Facial Recognition Technology

The United Kingdom’s Home Office has announced plans to significantly increase the use of facial recognition technology for surveillance purposes. The move will see the deployment of over 50 live facial recognition vans nationwide, which will be used to identify individuals on police watchlists.

According to the Home Office, the technology will be provided by Digital Barriers, a UK company that has subcontracted with Israeli-based firm Corsight AI. Enquiries have confirmed that Corsight AI was selected as one of three suppliers of the software in April, following a six-month trial by police in Essex.

The expansion of facial recognition technology is set to raise concerns over civil liberties among campaigners and accuracy among Israeli intelligence operatives who have used similar technology in Gaza. The UK government has previously criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, including its use of artificial intelligence in surveillance.

Digital Barriers had confirmed that it and its subcontractor, Corsight AI, would be part of a £20 million roll-out. However, the company’s involvement with Israeli intelligence operatives who have used similar technology in Gaza has raised questions about the accuracy and potential misuse of the system.

The UK government has taken issue with Israel’s actions in Gaza on several occasions, including condemning them at the United Nations. The selection of Corsight AI as a supplier has been met with criticism from human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, which has called for the government to ban investments in companies involved in surveillance technology used by Israeli intelligence.

The Home Office has announced that the expansion of facial recognition technology will be carried out under the current proposals.

Source: Al Jazeera