A Labour council is set to become the first in the UK to deploy AI-assisted CCTV cameras that can automatically spot 'suspicious' behaviour among the public. Hammersmith and Fulham Council in West London plans to modify 500 existing street cameras with artificial intelligence capable of flagging 'aggressive' actions or 'suspicious shopping' patterns.
Privacy Concerns Raised
However, there are growing concerns that innocent individuals going about their daily routines could be wrongly reported to authorities. Critics fear that everyday gestures such as 'hugs, back slaps and high fives' might be misinterpreted as aggression. Similarly, shoppers shaking or examining items, or holding clothes up to the light, could trigger alerts for potential theft.
The AI system will also be able to detect knives and guns, automatically track suspects and vehicles across the borough, and identify accidents, according to documents obtained by the campaign group Big Brother Watch.
Former Commissioner Warns of 'Mission Creep'
Professor Fraser Sampson, the government's former surveillance camera commissioner, warned that retrofitting old CCTV cameras with this new technology was a dangerous game. He told The Telegraph: 'Some actions may look like aggression but are the opposite – hugs, back slaps, high fives.' He added that the ability to later add a wide variety of features, from vehicle tracking to forensic analysis, represents 'the very definition of mission creep' and is something the public is highly suspicious of, especially when used for law enforcement.
The AI-enabled cameras are part of a broader rollout of anti-crime technology across Hammersmith and Fulham. The council is also investing £1 million in CCTV for its parks following a rise in crime. Additionally, 20 live facial recognition cameras will be installed at ten crime hotspots, capable of cross-referencing with police databases in real time. Loudspeakers will be attached to 50 existing cameras so officers can broadcast warnings to the public, while 50 others will be equipped with spotlights to illuminate dark areas.
Criticism from Civil Liberties Groups
Jake Hurfurt, head of research and investigations at Big Brother Watch, said: 'Everybody wants less anti-social behaviour but reaching for invasive and often unproven AI-powered surveillance reminiscent of a sci-fi film or authoritarian regimes is not the answer.'
The council argues that the enhanced surveillance will make streets safer by alerting officers more quickly to crime and anti-social behaviour, and by allowing automatic tracking of suspects. It is investing £3.2 million in AI and new surveillance technology to expand its current network of 2,500 cameras. The AI's priority will be the 'most likely needed' capabilities, which include detecting weapons and identifying violence.
Council Leader Defends Investment
Stephen Cowan, the council leader, said: 'This investment is about giving families peace of mind, helping victims see justice done, and ensuring criminals know there’s nowhere to hide in H&F. When residents see the results of justice being served is when the investment truly pays off.'
