Overview

• The government will run a consultation this year to shape nationwide guidance on where, when and how police may use live facial recognition.
• Officials say the guidance could pave the way for wider deployment across England, with policing minister Sarah Jones calling the technology a valuable tool.
• Live facial recognition is currently used routinely by only two forces, while a Croydon pilot reportedly produced 580 arrests in a year, including 52 registered sex offenders.
• Civil liberties groups continue to oppose expansion, with the Equality and Human Rights Commission arguing current use is unlawful and a High Court claim lodged by Shaun Thompson after a wrongful identification.
• Political and advocacy responses diverge, as the Conservative shadow home secretary backs national rollout while Big Brother Watch warns of sweeping surveillance risks.