Government to tighten facial recognition rules for police amid human rights fears

The government has promised to introduce stricter protections on police facial recognition technology so officers can use it fairly and safely. The Home Office said the system helps catch thousands of dangerous criminals each year. However, human rights groups worry that people are scanned without consent and could be wrongfully arrested through mistaken identity. They want ministers to set up strong safeguards before the tools become widespread. The move follows plans announced weeks earlier to set up live facial recognition cameras on London's Oxford Street ahead of Christmas.