Among other things, digital facial recognition technology will be fitted to cars on high streets in UK cities. Photo: Kelvin Chan/TT/AP
Digital technology to track repeat offenders is part of the UK government's drive against shoplifting.
This is a short message from Quartals Guardado – The World Every Day.
According to their own estimates, British shops lose £1bn every year to shoplifting. It caused the English government to make a major effort against piracy. More than £55 million is to be invested in facial recognition, a digital technology that can automatically identify ex-offenders. Guardian.1
Among other things, digital facial recognition technology will be fitted to cars on high streets in UK cities. This is not the only step taken by the government against piracy. A new bill would provide significantly tougher penalties for those caught shoplifting – Imprisonment up to six months and heavy fine.
Facial recognition is already being used
Many of the UK's biggest retail chains already use it – Marks & Spencer, Boots and Primark etc – Facial recognition by matching their surveillance cameras with the police database. Critics of the technology say it could lead to breaches of personal integrity, but store chains say it's a necessary step to catch repeat offenders.
Read today's full cortado here.
Notes
- https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/apr/10/shoplifting-crackdown-to-include-55m-for-facial-recognition-tools-in-england-and-wales
Johannes Stenlund is a reporter at Quartal.
Charles Dickens is a contributor to Dealmakerz, covering news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on clear, accurate reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current affairs and developments that matter to them. His work highlights relevant stories, emerging trends, and key issues, presenting them in a balanced, accessible, and reader-friendly way.
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