2/2/2026 at 8:44:03 PM
> The UK’s National Physical Laboratory’s data shows the system being tested and used by UK police to search their databases returns the correct identity in 99% of cases. This accuracy level is achieved by balancing high true identification rates with low false positive rates.1% is accurate when you are imagining a one-off identification, like a police line-up. But when you are conducting millions of scans a day that means you are triggering tens of thousands of incorrect identifications per day (assuming equal type i/ii errors). Many of those are going to be identifying an innocent person as a wanted suspect, or pinning people as being near a crime who weren't actually anywhere near, or identifying a lawful immigrant as someone that overstayed a visa etc etc.
by advisedwang
2/2/2026 at 8:59:07 PM
I walk past two sets of facial scanners on my way to and from work.Huge numbers of people are scanned, I doubt anywhere near 1% of the public is "wanted" so false positives will massively out weight true positives.
Ironically there are quite a few young people with their faces covered often with skull masks etc, I've never seen them stopped. I'm sure they do it to seem cool.
The cameras are in the same place all the time.
It seems somewhat baffling but I suppose it's to deter (or intimidate) people than actually catch many.
by rustyhancock