The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in policing is the focus of the sixth session of the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee’s inquiry on Governance of artificial intelligence (AI). MPs will examine the Metropolitan Police’s use of live facial recognition technology, in place during the coronation, and potential future AI-based tools. The session comes following reports that the policing minister has pushed for facial recognition to be rolled out across police forces nationally.
Meeting details
The EU is moving to ban facial recognition technology and predictive policing systems (based on profiling, location or past criminal behaviour) through its upcoming AI Act.
MPs will put questions to the author of the National Physical Laboratory’s March report which found “substantial improvement” in the accuracy of facial recognition technology used by the Met and South Wales Police.
The Committee will explore ethical and societal concerns with the use of algorithmic, machine learning or AI insights for decision-making in policing, particularly the potential for bias and discrimination. MPs will also gather civil society perspectives on the UK Government’s approach to AI regulation set out in its AI White Paper.