Live Facial Recognition in London ‘Absolutely Fair,’ Says Met Police Official

A committee heard that deployment decisions defer across the forces, and South Wales Police do not plan to use LFR in protests.

A van being used by the Metropolitan Police as part of their facial recognition operation in central London, on May 6, 2023. Will Edwards/AFP via Getty Images

A Metropolitan Police official defended the proportionality of deploying live facial recognition (LFR) in London, saying it’s “absolutely fair.”

Giving evidence to the House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee on Tuesday, Lindsey Chiswick, director of intelligence at the Met, said she believes the balance between security and privacy is right.