Public enthusiasm clashes with public doubt about Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in law enforcement
UK Police Seek More Funding to Expand Facial Recognition Technology
The UK police have put forth a request for additional funds to enhance and expand the use of facial recognition technology. This move aims to bolster crime prevention and national security efforts. The Home Office has acknowledged the potentially beneficial impact of facial recognition in these areas, with trials of the technology underway for several years, including a £10 million investment in live facial recognition vehicles.
The impetus behind this funding request is not merely technology advancement but also the need to address current regulatory concerns. Despite criticism from the Ada Lovelace Institute regarding the inadequate governance of facial recognition, police chiefs advocate for increased investment in science and technology to amplify tested capabilities, including facial recognition.
This investment is expected to support the deployment of facial recognition technology and concurrently free up police resources, potentially saving up to 15 million hours annually, which can be reallocated to other policing duties.
The call for additional funding is part of a broader initiative to modernize policing through technology. The proposed investment of £220 million over three years highlights the police's determination to leverage technology to boost productivity and public safety. This strategy involves innovation that extends beyond maintaining outdated systems.
The additional funding sought is not just for technology advancement, but also to address regulatory concerns associated with the expanded use of artificial-intelligence-powered facial recognition technology in sports and other public areas. The investment in facial recognition technology could lead to a significant reduction in the amount of time officers spend on certain tasks, freeing up over 15 million hours annually, which can then be allocated towards other policing duties, thereby modernizing and enhancing overall public safety.
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