UK Home Office Trials Live Facial Recognition at Ports for Immigration

The Immigration Enforcement (IE) service of the UK Home Office has introduced live facial recognition to boost border security and improve immigration processes. It is conducting a small-scale trial at Holyhead Port, a key entry point for ferries from Ireland into the UK. In this three-day test, technology will be used by South Wales Police and Greater Manchester Police to spot individuals on immigration watchlists, including those barred from entering the United Kingdom.

This deployment takes place due to the rising concern about illegal immigration, particularly those people trying to come back after deportation. According to a policy document issued by the Home Office, LFR technology will be used only under strict conditions, with a clear reason for enforcement and strong support from intelligence. The aim is to assist immigration officers in identifying offenders, not to substitute human decisions.

The Home Office further assures that LFR would be constantly monitored for accuracy and potential impact on privacy and fairness. It will not be used indiscriminately, but will only target persons on a watchlist. Furthermore, the system will not function autonomously, but the operations initiated by the technology will always be overseen by qualified personnel.

It will use a strong governance mechanism to deal with privacy concerns in a transparent manner and assess its broader societal impact. The trial data will be published on the website of Immigration Enforcement. Personal information will be removed, but critical data, like how many notifications and arrests, will be included.

Global Applications of Live Facial Recognition Technology

Countries, including the United States, are currently testing live facial recognition technology. Airports in the U.S. have used this technology to identify passengers. In China, facial recognition is being used at border crossings to enhance security and manage immigration flows.

Live facial recognition testing is being conducted worldwide, showcasing its potential and paving the way for future advancements in this technology. In the United States, airports are utilising this technology to help identify travellers more swiftly.
In China, facial recognition technology is boosting border security and immigration management while prioritising safety.