Oversight of the use of artificial intelligence facial recognition technology is lagging significantly behind the pace of its development, the responsible authorities in Britain warn.
According to biometrics experts, the use of this technology by police and businesses has increased significantly, while the legal framework has not been updated at the same pace. In London, the Metropolitan Police have scanned over 1.7 million faces this year alone, a significant increase compared to the previous year.
Professor William Webster, the commissioner for biometrics in England and Wales, emphasizes that legislation is struggling to keep up with technological developments, while Dr Brian Plastow from Scotland estimates that the technology is not as accurate as claimed and that there is a fragmented legal framework at the national level.
Experts are calling for the adoption of new laws that would regulate the manner and conditions of using facial recognition, as well as the creation of a special body to prevent abuse. Currently, oversight is divided between several institutions, including the Information Commissioner's Office and the Human Rights Commission.
Meanwhile, various citizens have reported cases of being wrongly identified as suspects by store camera systems, highlighting the lack of mechanisms for complaint and redress. Some have described the experience as a feeling of “guilt without proof.”
The use of this technology has also been accompanied by criticism of privacy violations and the risk of creating a mass surveillance society. Polls show that a significant portion of the public is concerned about its inaccuracies and potential consequences.
Concerns have also been raised about possible misuse by security personnel in some cases, with individuals being placed on monitoring lists without sufficient evidence. On the other hand, the companies developing these systems deny abuses and emphasize that control and verification mechanisms are in place.
British authorities are considering a new legal framework to regulate this technology, which is seen as an important tool for fighting crime, but which requires careful balancing with civil rights and liberties. /GazetaExpress/
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