UK police live facial recognition trial at London stations scans 500,000+ faces for one false alert and no arrests
On Sept 29, 2026 the Guardian reported, from a Freedom of Information request, that a six-month British Transport Police trial of live facial recognition at London railway stations scanned more than 500,000 faces (February–July 2026) and cost over £320,000. It produced one alert, a false positive, and no arrests. BTP has nonetheless extended the pilot to November and to selected Underground stations.
Key facts
- Faces scanned: 500,000+ between February and July 2026 at busy London stations (Guardian, via FOI)
- Cost: over £320,000; one alert, which was a false positive; no arrests resulting from the technology
- Pilot extended through November 2026 and expanded to selected Underground stations; BTP says there have since been three confirmed alerts, all people found to be complying with sexual harm prevention orders or other court conditions
What happened
FOI data showed the station trial produced no arrests despite scanning half a million people. Police expanded it anyway.
Why it matters
It is hard evidence in the UK debate over the cost and accuracy of live facial recognition in public spaces.
Changelog
- 2026-09-29: created
Sources (4)
- pressThe Guardian: Trial of live facial recognition cameras at London stations
- pressGuardian (via inkl): Trial of live facial recognition in London stations ends with a false positive and no arrests
- pressBoing Boing: London's live facial recognition trial ends in one false positive, no arrests, and a £320k bill
- discussionSlashdot discussion
id: 2026-09-29-btp-live-facial-recognition-trial-no-arrests · updated 2026-09-29 · open in the interactive timeline