civil liberties groups

Facial recognition technology in UK shops, including Sainsbury’s and B&M, will now alert police instantly when serious offenders are detected. Civil liberties groups warn this represents a 'dangerous escalation' toward increased surveillance and criminalization in retail.

The UK's Facewatch facial recognition system, used in stores like Sainsbury’s and B&M, will now instantly alert police to the presence of serious offenders. Civil liberties groups have criticized the feature as a 'dangerous escalation' in retail surveillance and criminalization.

UK MPs and the Home Affairs Committee have criticized the government's rushed and poorly planned digital ID rollout, citing a lack of public consultation, inadequate policy development, and eroded public trust. The report warns of risks like surveillance, data sharing issues, and a potential 'backdoor national ID system,' while highlighting the government's 'poor track record' in digital initiatives.

The June 2 primary for Los Angeles City Attorney determines who will lead an office overseeing legal matters for the city, including lawsuits, advising officials, and prosecuting misdemeanors. The role has historically influenced policies like gang injunctions, which have faced criticism for targeting communities of color but are seen as tools to reduce gang-related crime.