Massive Attack refute claims they use live facial recognition at shows
23/09/2025 | NME
English trip-hop collective Massive Attack has issued a statement denying online reports that they use live facial recognition technology at their concerts. The band clarified that the effect seen in their live shows is a satirical performance that uses face detection with a fictional, randomly assigned "database."
In a social media post on Instagram, Massive Attack stated that no personal data has ever been recorded or stored at their shows. They criticised media outlets for spreading "inaccuracies and outright lies" that proliferated without fact-checking. The band also used the statement to highlight the UK government's "overreaching" use of public facial recognition, noting the lack of specific legislation to regulate police use of these systems.
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