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Councils across England have called for more regulation as the sector increases its use of controversial facial recognition technology.Despite experts acknowledging that the cameras would ‘make mistakes' because they were predictive, a number of councils have deployed AI-driven facial recognition technology with the specified aim of improving crime detection and prevention by matching faces against a defined police database in real time.Five English councils have so far confirmed they use facial recognition cameras, but the actual number will be higher.However, the legal basis for the technology's use is currently piecemeal, based on common law, data protection and human rights laws, meaning legislation is lagging far behind the technology.Biometrics and surveillance camera commissioner Professor William Webster warned earlier this year that live facial recognition technology was ‘not foolproof' and called for a ‘legal framework'.A spokesperson for the Local Government Association (LGA) said: ‘Councils want to ensure that any use of facial recognition and other biometric technologies in public spaces and on public transport is lawful, proportionate, transparent and subject to appropriate oversight. This should include a clear and comprehensive legal framework with independent oversight for the use of this technology, underpinned by robust safeguards and transparency requirements.‘As major users of CCTV technology, councils want to be held to the highest possible standards. Measures must therefore support accountability and ensure appropriate protections for privacy, equality and individual rights while maintaining community confidence in local services and public safety and providing clarity for practitioners and the public.'An LGA report earlier this year read: ‘From a local government perspective, councils have a strong interest in ensuring that these technologies do not undermine community confidence or exacerbate inequalities. Oversight should be provided by a single independent body empowered to set standards, monitor compliance, audit use, investigate misuse and provide guidance and training. Clear rules, transparent processes and proportionality assessments will help councils continue to work with law enforcement effectively while safeguarding communities, protecting civil liberties and ensuring the public can have confidence in how these technologies are deployed.‘If the LGA is seen as uncritically promoting more cameras, AI analytics or facial recognition without acknowledging the risks, it could be accused of enabling a surveillance state or disregarding public concerns about intrusive monitoring. Conversely, if it is perceived as downplaying the importance of CCTV in tackling crime and antisocial behaviour, the LGA may be criticised by councils, police or the public for not supporting effective community safety measures.‘Surveillance systems, especially those incorporating AI, facial recognition or predictive analytics, carry a risk of bias that can result in unequal treatment or heightened scrutiny of minority communities, disabled individuals or other vulnerable populations. Poorly framed communications could create a perception that the LGA is prioritising surveillance over civil liberties, potentially undermining trust among the public, local authorities and stakeholders.'Councillors have also expressed concerns around national security risks if the cameras come from or use components or software from abroad.Home secretary Shabana Mahmood said there was ‘no true liberty' if people were too scared of crime to leave their homes.

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POLICY AND POLITICS

EXCLUSIVE: Councils call for more regulation amid facial recognition rollout

By Dan Peters | 23 September 2026

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