The UK is to adopt smartwatches to track criminals involved in a series of electronic anklets. According to GuardianThe Home Office and Ministry of Justice require you to scan your face up to five times a day.
In May, the British government signed an agreement with Buddi Limited, a technology company An initial cost of £6 million (R$37 million) to acquire the equipment. The Home Office says the scheme will include “daily monitoring of individuals subject to immigration control”. Photos taken with the devices are compared with biometric facial images, failing which verification must be done manually.
The measure is restricted to foreign offenders convicted of a criminal offense and does not apply to other groups such as asylum seekers. This smartwatch monitors curfew and indoor and outdoor zones for criminals.
For some experts, this measure can be imprecise and serve as a tool of discrimination, as some algorithms tend to harm certain minorities with patterns that harm other groups. Others point out that this type of surveillance is intrusive and can trigger crises of anxiety and depression in those punished.
“The public expects us to monitor convicted foreign criminals and it would be wrong to suggest that the deal applies to asylum seekers who arrived illegally. Since August 2021, the Home Office has identified more than 2,500 foreign criminals, victims of which they cannot escape the law and will soon be removed from the UK. It is also committed,” a Home Office spokesperson said. More than 10,000 foreign criminals use smartwatches, but heavy government surveillance.
What do you think about the initiative? Do you agree with the impact pointed out by the experts? Leave your comment below!
Henry Blackwell is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. His work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism.