London's Met Police installs permanent facial recognition cameras

The Metropolitan Police in London is introducing its first permanent facial recognition cameras. The cameras will be installed on lampposts and buildings in Croydon, South London. Police say these cameras will help fight crime more effectively. Campaigners are critical of this move. They describe it as a "dystopian nightmare." They are concerned about privacy and the lack of oversight for this technology. The police, however, argue that it will help catch criminals more easily. Mobile facial recognition cameras have already been used successfully in the area. Superintendent Mitch Carr from the Metropolitan Police explained in a letter that cameras will only be used when officers are present to respond to alerts. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp supports the use of these cameras. He mentioned that mobile vans have captured around 200 wanted criminals in Croydon. Rebecca Vincent from the privacy group Big Brother Watch expressed her worries about the permanent cameras. She believes it represents a dangerous increase in the use of this technology without proper laws. The Met Police claimed that last year they made over 500 arrests using facial recognition technology, targeting serious offenders. The police insist they are committed to safety while also aiming to protect people’s rights and privacy.