Privacy campaigners today called for a national review of facial recognition technology as it emerged the controversial CCTV cameras have been deployed in central London.
Argent, developers of the King’s Cross development, said the technology was being used to “ensure public safety” at the privately-owned complex, which includes Google’s UK headquarters and Central St Martin’s college, alongside shops and restaurants.
It is one of the first property companies to acknowledge it is using the software. Canary Wharf is also said to be considering introducing the technology.
Silkie Carlo, director of Big Brother Watch, said: “It’s essential that under data protection laws people are told about it and we need a national review of surveillance cameras in this country.”
Under general data protection laws, collecting sensitive personal data, including faces, requires consent.
Privacy regulator the Information Commissioner’s Office said it was looking at the use of facial recognition technology by police and private organisations, saying businesses must demonstrate that its use is “strictly necessary and proportionate”.
