Home / Technology / Preston Cams Watch 1 Person With Facial Recognition
Preston Cams Watch 1 Person With Facial Recognition
8 Oct
Summary
- Over 100 cameras in Preston enable facial recognition technology.
- Facial recognition watchlist actively used on a single internal camera.
- Concerns raised about the extent of surveillance and lack of public consultation.
Preston City Council has equipped over 100 of its CCTV cameras with facial recognition technology. According to information revealed through a Freedom of Information request, the technology's active use is highly targeted. A facial recognition watchlist is currently operational on a single camera located inside the One Stop Shop at Preston Town Hall.
This watchlist is designed to identify individuals banned from the town hall, with the council confirming only one person is presently on this list. The council states the technology aids in deterring and detecting crime and anti-social behaviour. They emphasize no plans exist to extend its use across their broader CCTV network.
Liberty Investigates has expressed significant concern over this surveillance method, particularly as it impacts individuals accessing essential services. They highlight that the public was not consulted before the technology was implemented. In contrast, ten other Lancashire councils reported not using facial recognition technology on their cameras.
