Police Ready Facial Recognition Tech at UK Beyoncé Concert Amid Initial Concerns

Police in South Wales in the United Kingdom is set to deploy live facial recognition technology during the upcoming Beyoncé concert in Cardiff's city center to identify individuals on a watchlist and ensure the safety of concert-goers, The Guardian tells us in a report.

While the use of this cutting-edge technology has raised concerns over racial bias and human rights infringement, South Wales police claim that this system will only be used in the city center and not inside the Principality Stadium where the concert will be held.

According to reports, the artist's concerts are highly anticipated by millions and are likely to attract the biggest crowd in Cardiff, Edinburgh, Sunderland, and London, where dates have already been confirmed.

South Wales Police and Facial Recognition Tech

The Guardian tells us that this is not the first time South Wales police have used live facial recognition technology, having previously trialed it during the FIM Speedway Grand Prix in August 2022.

The technology scanned 20,929 individuals against a watchlist of 245 images, but no alerts or arrests were made. The technology was also used in the recent coronation.

Critics Sound the Alarm Against Facial Recognition Tech

Live facial recognition technology is the latest addition to the arsenal of tools law enforcement agencies use to tackle crime. But this advanced technology has not been without its fair share of controversy.

Critics of this technology warn that its use in public spaces is a worrying trend that could have dangerous effects on modifying behavior and democratic processes, such as protests or political opposition, as well as the potential to infringe on human rights and invade individual privacy.

Daragh Murray, a senior law lecturer at Queen Mary University in London, notes that normalizing invasive surveillance technology at events like concerts is happening without proper public debate.

Despite the controversy, South Wales police have assured the public that any locations where live facial recognition technology is being used will be marked with signage, providing transparency and accountability.

A Closer Look at the Issue at Hand

A report by the Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy at the University of Cambridge in 2022 called for banning live facial recognition technology in public spaces.

The report highlights how the technology violates ethical standards and human rights laws. It argues that using live facial recognition technology in streets, airports, and other public spaces should be prohibited.

The use of live facial recognition technology has come under the spotlight, especially during events like the Beyoncé concert. Additionally, the deployment of technology in such public spaces raises important questions about its impact on civil liberties.

As the use of live facial recognition technology becomes more widespread, the debate over its use in public spaces is likely to continue. The balance between security and privacy is delicate, and it remains to be seen how this technology will evolve and impact policing.

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