FOI request (FOIR-380325091)

Live facial recognition technology used by this authority

Requested Mon 22 November 2021
Responded  Wed 15 December 2021

I am writing to you under the Freedom of Information Act (2000) to ask that you please disclose the details of any 'live facial recognition' software, 'retrospective facial recognition' software, or 'automated facial recognition' software used by yourselves, and whether it works in conjunction with the local police force.

This includes body cameras, vehicular cameras, or stationary cameras.

I would like to know if the software used shared information with either local law enforcement, national agencies, or was used by council-based intelligence hubs. I would like to know what information is typically garnered, how long it is held for, and whether this was announced publicly.

In case this information is withheld citing sections 23, 24, or 31, I'd instead like information of any work undertaken with or correspondence between you and the following companies: Neoface/NEC, Rekognition, AFR Locate, or Reveal, including cost and times undertaken.

I am aware that at least 6 constabularies, including the Metropolitan Police, have trialled software and that this information is publicly available to an extent, but in the instance of national security exemptions would like to have the bare bones of the information, which I do not believe would impact this, such as a confirmation of trials, correspondence, or agreements and the names of the companies given, as a matter of public interest and without divulging further specifics.

Response

Please accept my apologies for the delay in responding.

Hastings Borough Council has no software with this type of capability.