Bedfordshire Police deployed live facial recognition technology for the first time at the Bedford River Festival, sparking significant debate and concern among privacy advocates and the general public. The festival, which has been a biennial event since the 1970s, drew more than 250,000 visitors over the weekend.
The local police force justified the use of this surveillance technology by stating its purpose was to identify the county’s most wanted offenders and enhance public safety. Similar technology has been employed by neighbouring Northamptonshire Police at events like the Silverstone races for the past two years.
Despite the intentions stated by the police, the deployment of live facial recognition (LFR) technology at a public festival has led to a wave of opposition. Human rights groups, including Liberty and Big Brother Watch, have expressed deep concerns about the implications for privacy and the potential for misuse of the technology.
Sam Grant, director of advocacy at Liberty, criticized the unregulated use of LFR, describing it as “an unregulated mass surveillance tool which changes what it means to walk down the streets, pop to the shops, or enjoy music at festivals.” He stressed the technology’s impact on everyday freedoms and the intrusive nature of mass surveillance.
In response to the backlash, Bedfordshire Police took steps to inform festival-goers about the technology. Signs with QR codes linking to more information and officers distributing leaflets were part of the effort to educate the public about the use of LFR. The force also engaged with the community via social media, explaining that the technology adheres to strict guidelines to ensure privacy protection, with data handled according to the UK’s data protection laws.
Bedford Borough Council, organizers of the Bedford River Festival, supported the police’s decision to use LFR, calling it an innovative approach that enhances security. According to the police, any data collected is only retained if a match is made and deemed necessary for investigation purposes. Non-matching data is said to be deleted immediately after use or within 24 hours.
Despite these assurances, the use of LFR continues to be a contentious issue, highlighting the balance between public safety and individual privacy rights. The debate over the appropriateness and scope of surveillance technologies like LFR at public events remains unresolved, with ongoing discussions likely as the technology becomes more widespread.
