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London's streets have witnessed a noticeable increase in the police's use of modern technologies; specifically, real-time facial recognition, as thousands of individuals have been stopped since January 2024 thanks to this technology, which compares facial images against a database of approximately 16,000 wanted individuals. One of the most striking scenes involved the arrest of a man as he passed by a police car equipped with cameras while walking with a stroller, an incident that sparked widespread debate about the limits of surveillance.

Expanding Digital Surveillance

The measures are not limited to the streets but also extend to the internet, with attempts to ease message encryption and monitor speech online, as well as the use of artificial intelligence in reviewing asylum applications. All these steps are part of the British government's plan under Keir Starmer to enhance security and address the challenges of the digital age.

Debate Between Security and Freedom

The measures raise widespread concerns about privacy and civil liberties, as some view them as an infringement on the daily lives of citizens, while others consider them a necessary adaptation to technological advancement to enhance national security. Ryan Wain from the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change stated, "There is a significant philosophical debate about the concept of freedom versus safety."

Government Response

The UK Department for Science and Innovation has confirmed that the public expects the government to use modern technologies to ensure security and keep pace with digital advancements, noting that these measures are part of its efforts to balance safety and civil rights.