"LFR in the hand is exactly how AI should augment humans. Every cop who uses it has access to a ‘super-recogniser’ who knows exactly who is wanted, or is breaching conditions designed to keep us safe."

The Metropolitan police will trial operator-initiated facial recognition on smartphones, with 100 officers using roaming face-scanning technology for six months, Mayor Sadiq Khan said. Supporters argue it can speed identity checks and reduce unnecessary detentions; critics and civil liberties groups warn of inaccuracy, racial bias and a lack of clear legal oversight. The pilot follows other deployments of facial recognition in the UK and renewed calls for independent regulation and stronger legal safeguards.