Story perspectives

UK Police Push Facial Recognition Amid Bias Concerns

12/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

UK police forces lobbied to use a facial recognition system despite inaccuracies.
A Home Office review found misidentifications are higher for Black, Asian individuals and women.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) raised the confidence threshold to reduce bias, then reversed it after complaints.
Policing Minister Sarah Jones called for strict standards and independent scrutiny.
The Home Office says it has procured a new algorithm with no significant bias.

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Story summary

UK police forces lobbied to use a facial recognition system despite inaccuracies.
A Home Office review found misidentifications are higher for Black, Asian individuals and women.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) raised the confidence threshold to reduce bias, then reversed it after complaints.
Policing Minister Sarah Jones called for strict standards and independent scrutiny.
The Home Office says it has procured a new algorithm with no significant bias.