Liberty responds to photofit images being used in facial recognition searches

In response to the Liberty Investigates article that revealed at least one police force is using ‘photofit’ images for facial recognition searches, Akiko Hart, Director of Liberty, said: 

“The fact that at least one police force is using photofit sketches in facial recognition searches is an incredibly shocking revelation. Experts have told us that the recognition rates for photofit sketches are very poor, so using them in searches is a reckless use of this technology. Misidentification causes real life harm and has a lasting impact on the people affected.

“We can’t view this in isolation. This is the latest in a series of deeply concerning incidents that are now coming to light on how this technology is being deployed across the UK.

“The body of evidence is growing, and we now need to see the Government step up and take action. The Government must immediately stop the rollout of this technology until we have the strongest possible legal frameworks in place to protect the public.”