GOVERNMENT plans for round-the-clock monitoring of migrants convicted of crimes through the use of facial recognition smartwatches are “excessive and unnecessary,” civil rights groups have said. 

Those required to wear the devices under plans due to be rolled out by the Home Office and Ministry of Justice this autumn will have to take five photographs of themselves every day on a smartwatch installed with facial recognition software. 

According to the Guardian, Home Office documents say the scheme will involve “daily monitoring of individuals subject to immigration control,” with a requirement to wear either a fitted ankle tag or a smartwatch at all times.