South Wales Police deploys facial recognition cameras for Six Nations in Cardiff

South Wales Police are set to deploy live facial recognition cameras across Cardiff during the Six Nations rugby internationals, positioning them at key pedestrian points to enhance public safety. The police assert that the technology will help identify individuals on a watchlist in real-time, claiming it has proven effective without resulting in wrongful arrests. However, civil rights advocates, including Big Brother Watch, have condemned the initiative, labeling it a concerning expansion of surveillance that could lead to an Orwellian state and infringe on civil liberties. They argue that the technology operates in a legal vacuum in the UK, lacking sufficient regulation, and previous deployments at sporting events have not led to any arrests. Critics highlight that this rollout treats the public as potential suspects and raises significant privacy concerns. The initiative has been framed by the police as creating 'zones of safety' during high-traffic events, with the hope of deterring crime and ensuring visitor safety.