Displaying items by tag: civil liberties

The Government is preparing a major expansion of facial recognition technology across the UK, giving police access to passport and driving-licence photos to speed up the identification of offenders. The Met Police, which has already made 1,300 arrests and tracked more than 100 sex offenders using the technology over two years, says live facial recognition is a key tool for public safety. The Home Office has launched a ten-week consultation to shape new legislation after concerns about 'Big Brother Britain' and the erosion of civil liberties. Critics argue that safeguards remain inadequate, noting previous findings by the Equality and Human Rights Commission that the Met’s policies were 'unlawful'. Civil liberties groups warn of potential misuse, disproportionate surveillance, and a chilling effect at protests. Supporters insist that the technology is becoming more accurate, with strict oversight needed rather than abandonment. Police chiefs say it will help find dangerous offenders and missing people more quickly. The consultation will determine what safeguards are necessary and whether expanded use is proportionate to the harms being targeted.

President Trump declared a national emergency to fund a US/Mexico border wall after failing to secure $5.7bn through a 35-day government shutdown. Concerned Republicans say, ‘We have a crisis at our southern border, but no crisis justifies violating the constitution’. Democrats issued stronger condemnations and intend to mount legal challenges for his abuse of power by declaring a national emergency when there is none. The ‘emergency’ allows $8bn military funds to be diverted to the project. Many believe this declaration shows an alarming disregard for democratic norms; Trump’s conviction that, as president, he should be able to impose his own will, at whatever cost, is dangerous. The American Civil Liberties Union said, ‘There is no “national emergency” at the border, and Trump’s declaration is illegal.’ See