Abstract
Automatic facial recognition technology (AFR) is increasingly used in criminal justice systems around the world, yet to date there has not been an international survey of public attitudes toward its use. In Study 1, we ran focus groups in the UK, Australia and China (countries at different stages of adopting AFR) and in Study 2 we collected data from over 3,000 participants in the UK, Australia and the USA using a questionnaire investigating attitudes towards AFR use in criminal justice systems. Our results showed that although overall participants were aligned in their attitudes and reasoning behind them, there were some key differences across countries. People in the USA were more accepting of tracking citizens, more accepting of private companies’ use of AFR, and less trusting of the police using AFR than people in the UK and Australia. Our results showed that support for the use of AFR depends greatly on what the technology is used for and who it is used by. We recommend vendors and users do more to explain AFR use, including details around accuracy and data protection. We also recommend that governments should set legal boundaries around the use of AFR in investigative and criminal justice settings.
Highlights
Biometrics refers to the characteristics of a person which can be used to identify them [1]
There is a lack of reliable information around the first date of Automatic facial recognition technology (AFR) use, and the pervasiveness of AFR use in the UK, USA, Australia and China, and so instead of providing such information here, we focus on broad definitions and legal use cases
Notable differences were that participants in China spoke more about current AFR use in their country, and this was not spoken about in the UK
Summary
Biometrics refers to the characteristics of a person which can be used to identify them [1]. The most common forms of biometrics used in law enforcement and other security settings are fingerprints, iris, voice, DNA and face. Over the past decade or more, the use of biometric has grown rapidly, in investigative and criminal justice settings, often in response to terrorism [2,3]. Facial recognition technology is an increasingly common form of biometrics in use in many different areas of our lives–from unlocking smart devices, to crossing borders, and increasingly in security and policing settings.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
