Waltham Forest Council has admitted to trialling facial recognition technology for three days earlier this year, without the knowledge of residents. It used four cameras across public spaces, including the London borough’s main shopping street.
While the council does not intend to follow up the trial immediately, no decision has been made about the council’s employment of facial recognition technology in the long term.
Silkie Carlo, Director of Big Brother Watch, said Waltham Forest Council’s use of the “intrusive and controversial” technology was “Orwellian and unjustifiable”.
Daily Telegraph – London council used facial recognition technology on streets without consulting residents