Police watchdog calls for live facial recognition to tackle football disorder
The head of the Scottish police watchdog has recommended the implementation of live facial recognition technology and drones to curb rising football-related violence. While police argue the technology is essential for public safety and modernizing investigations, critics and privacy advocates express significant concerns regarding civil liberties and potential identification errors.
Why it matters
This debate highlights the growing tension between public safety initiatives and individual privacy rights as law enforcement agencies increasingly adopt AI-driven surveillance tools.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Chris McLaughlin Scotland sports news correspondent PA Media Officers had to keep rival fans apart after the final whistle following Rangers' Scottish Cup match against Celtic at Ibrox in March The head of the Scottish police watchdog is calling for the introduction of live facial recognition technology and drones to help combat football-related disorder.
HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) Craig Naylor has used the publication of his annual report to highlight the need for better use of technology to help fight crime.
Naylor described recent football violence, like the disorder between Celtic and Rangers fans at Ibrox in March, as "a situation that cannot continue to be tolerated."
He also said the increasing violence in Scotland outside football grounds was likely to require more police deployments.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in