UK Home Office Drafting Facial Recognition Rules for Police Use

Author: admin | 17 Jul 2025

The UK Home Office is developing a governance model for live facial recognition (LFR) technology to assist police in identification and verification processes. The framework has been taken into consideration as a possible legislation in the country.

Nevertheless, the present Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, disclosed this initiative at the time of appearing before the Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee early in July 2025.

In addition, as reported, Cooper indicated that Diana Johnson, the Policing Minister, has been keeping the law enforcement and stakeholders in close consultation. Since they are in the process of designing the proposed framework and executing it more effectively.

“We do think you need a proper governance framework to give forces the confidence to use facial recognition with the right standards in place,” Diana Johnson said.

Although legislation is not immediately expected, Cooper has pointed out the necessity of providing clear operational guidance to help in further incorporation.

In addressing the House of Lords, the Minister of State, Lord David Hanson, clarified that the government is exploring legislative measures that would allow law enforcement agencies to utilize Live Facial Recognition technology.

Meanwhile, police forces in England and Wales have already deployed facial recognition on their own initiative, even without a national law.

On the other side of the Irish Sea, Ireland is in the process of passing a law encompassing retrospective facial recognition. Along with the voice recognition and gait recognition, as reported by The Irish Times.

The future of the United Kingdom in terms of governance involves setting standards and discussing issues that matter to the people, while ensuring that all aspects are managed and taken into account. Cooper assured the committee that updates would follow in writing soon.

The UK government is seeking to enhance law enforcement efficiency while ensuring ethical and privacy protection with the further development of biometric technology.

The risks of surveillance and loss of privacy related to facial recognition technology have been previously criticized by civil liberties organizations. It is perceived that clear legislation is instrumental in facilitating the ethical and responsible use of facial recognition by the police without compromising the rights of the people.