UK police to use AI facial recognition tech linked to Israel’s war on Gaza

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by Simon Speakman CordallJanuary 28, 2026 at 05:10 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

The UK is expanding its use of facial recognition technology for police surveillance, partnering with UK company Digital Barriers, which subcontracts Israeli firm Corsight AI. Corsight AI's technology has reportedly been used by the Israeli army in Gaza to track Palestinians. The UK Home Office plans to increase its fleet of facial recognition vans from 10 to over 50, deploying them nationwide to identify individuals on police watchlists. This decision follows a six-month trial in Essex and raises concerns among civil liberties campaigners and even Israeli intelligence operatives about accuracy and potential misuse. Despite the UK government's criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, it is proceeding with this partnership.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Iran 30% United States 30% Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) 40% Essex police ×350% Shabana Mahmood 60% Home Office ×260% Digital Barriers ×360% Corsight AI ×470% Israel ×470% Gaza ×680% UK ×490%

Keywords

facial recognition technology 100% surveillance 70% gaza 70% ai 70% uk police 60% israel 60% civil liberties 60% digital barriers 50% corsight ai 50% privacy 40%