US diplomat criticizes UK government over authoritarian concerns
US Under Secretary of State Sarah Rogers has accused Sir Keir Starmer’s government of “authoritarian intentions,” asserting that new legislation may infringe on British regulators’ efforts to oversee internet activity, reports BritPanorama.
Rogers highlighted the risks associated with the potential expansion of facial recognition technology and AI policing in the UK, warning that these developments could lead to significant constraints on free speech. She pointed to the case of Lucy Connelly and referenced over 12,000 non-crime hate incidents recorded in recent years as evidence of a climate that may not protect individual freedoms.
In her comments, Rogers indicated that the UK should bolster legal protections for free speech akin to the US First Amendment. “I would be heartened to learn that the UK had done that,” she stated, underscoring her concerns about the implications of current policies.
These remarks come amid growing tensions between the UK’s Home Office and American officials over the latter’s concerns regarding the proposed expansion of AI and facial recognition capabilities intended to combat crime. Rogers emphasized that such technological advancements must not facilitate governmental overreach. “When a government has authoritarian intentions, then a powerful tool can be used for powerful authoritarian ends,” she cautioned.
The UK’s plans involve increasing the number of live-scanning vans from ten to fifty, enabling law enforcement to efficiently process data in crime hotspots. The initiative forms part of a broader £141 million investment aimed at integrating advanced technology across police operations.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood defended the use of technological advancements in policing, arguing that past innovations such as fingerprinting faced similar criticisms. “A hundred years ago, fingerprinting was decried as curtailing our civil liberties. Today, we could not imagine policing without it,” she stated, expressing confidence that public concerns regarding facial recognition will diminish over time.
As the US prepares to implement new legislation to protect its interests from the implications of the UK’s Online Safety Act, Rogers reiterated the importance of safeguarding American political freedoms. She noted that there are legislators in the US who agree with her perspective on the necessity of protecting free speech against restrictive UK laws.
Rogers’ comments highlight a broader transatlantic dialogue about balancing security measures with civil liberties, an issue that continues to evolve as both nations navigate the complexities of modern governance amid changing technological landscapes.
Amid growing scrutiny of digital governance, the challenge lies in ensuring that advancements do not compromise democratic values. Ultimately, the effectiveness and fairness of law enforcement’s use of technology will be pivotal in shaping public perception and trust in governmental authority.
