UK signs AI-human rights treaty amid facial recognition controversies

The UK has signed a major international agreement on AI and human rights. On 5 September 2024, the government joined The Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence. The move aims to address risks from AI while protecting democracy and the rule of law. Facial recognition technology remains a contentious issue in the UK. In 2023, the Met Police scanned over 366,156 faces in 34 operations to identify suspects and missing persons. The system also helps locate individuals on police watchlists.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer now plans to expand its use across all police forces to combat violent disorder. However, studies show the software has a higher error rate for black faces than for white or Asian ones.

The House of Lords is currently examining the technology’s role in tackling shoplifting. Meanwhile, the UK’s AI governance remains non-binding, with no central regulator or strict laws in place. In a separate case, Clearview AI successfully overturned a £7.5 million fine from the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office after arguing its software was used by foreign law enforcement, not British agencies.

Campaign group #SafetyNotSurveillance has demanded a ban on predictive policing systems. They also urge the government to create a legal framework for AI use in law enforcement. The new Council of Europe convention signals a step toward stronger AI oversight. Yet, the UK still lacks binding rules for facial recognition and other technologies. The debate over its use in policing and retail continues amid concerns about accuracy and civil liberties.