As facial recognition systems become more advanced and widely adopted, security leaders face a critical decision: how to choose the right vendor. From corporate offices and education campuses to transport hubs and government facilities, facial recognition is now central to access control, surveillance, and threat detection. But not all solutions are created equal. With growing regulatory scrutiny, ethical concerns, and cybersecurity risks, selecting a vendor in 2025 requires a strategic, informed approach. Here’s what procurement teams and physical security leaders should consider when evaluating facial recognition partners…
1. Accuracy and Speed of Recognition
At the core of any facial recognition solution is its ability to identify or verify individuals accurately and quickly. In high-traffic environments, even milliseconds matter.
✔ Look for providers with strong performance in independent accuracy benchmarks
✔ Test solutions in your real-world environment—including variable lighting, diverse facial angles, and moving crowds
✔ Ensure the system can operate effectively with face masks or head coverings if needed
High recognition accuracy reduces false positives and negatives, minimising operational disruptions and improving safety outcomes.
2. Bias Mitigation and Ethical AI
Facial recognition systems have been criticised for algorithmic bias, particularly across race, gender, and age. Vendors must demonstrate proactive steps to ensure fair and equitable recognition.
✔ Ask for documentation on bias audits and how algorithms are trained
✔ Prioritise vendors with diverse, globally representative training datasets
✔ Ensure compliance with UK Equality Act and public sector equality duties, if applicable
Mitigating bias isn’t just about ethics—it’s about maintaining trust and ensuring compliance with broader equality and human rights standards.
3. Data Security and Privacy Compliance
Facial recognition involves sensitive biometric data. Security leaders must ensure vendors meet the highest standards for data protection and cybersecurity.
✔ Confirm compliance with UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018
✔ Look for features such as data encryption, anonymisation, and role-based access controls
✔ Request clarity on data ownership, storage location, and retention policies
Trust in your vendor’s handling of personal data is non-negotiable.
4. Hardware Integration and Interoperability
Whether integrating with access control systems, CCTV networks, or visitor management platforms, a strong partner will offer open APIs, flexible deployment options, and robust compatibility with existing infrastructure.
✔ Cloud-based vs on-premise options
✔ Edge computing support for faster on-site processing
✔ Compatibility with existing badge readers or mobile credentials
5. Scalability and Support
Finally, consider whether the vendor can scale with your organisation’s needs—both in terms of site expansion and evolving functionality.
✔ Clear roadmap for software updates and AI improvements
✔ Local technical support and training
✔ Ability to handle increased user volumes or complex use cases
Choosing the right facial recognition partner is about more than technology – it’s about finding a provider that aligns with your security objectives, compliance responsibilities, and ethical standards. By focusing on accuracy, bias mitigation, security, integration, and scalability, security leaders can make informed decisions that deliver both safety and public trust.
Are you searching for Facial Recognition solutions for your organisation? The Total Security Summit can help!
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash
