More and more European police forces are using facial recognition technology. Under an EU proposal they'd be able to share access to the millions of images they've collected – creating what critics say amounts to one of the most extensive biometric surveillance systems in the world. This week we speak to Domen Savič, head of Slovenian digital rights NGO Državljan D (Citizen D), about the tricky balance between fighting crime and protecting our privacy. We're also talking about Seville's plans to name its heatwaves and the French response to the US Supreme Court's abortion ruling. Plus, a recording of Dominic's doorbell disaster.

This week's Isolation Inspiration: Bionic reading, Nicola Coughlan on Off Menu, DakhaBrakha, Jamala, Kalush and Go_A.

You can check out Državljan D's monthly podcast on tech ethics here.

Thanks for listening! If you enjoy our podcast and would like to help us keep making it, we'd love it if you'd consider chipping in a few bucks a month at patreon.com/europeanspodcast (many currencies are available). You can also help new listeners find the show by leaving us a review or giving us five stars on Spotify.

02:34 Good Week: Seville's plan to name its heatwaves

11:52 Bad Week (or Good Response To A Bad Week): France's response to the US Supreme Court ruling

18:20 Interview: Domen Savič on the EU's facial recognition plans

30:33 Isolation Inspiration: Bionic reading, Nicola Coughlan on Off Menu, and Glastonbury's Ukrainian offerings

34:42 Happy Ending: Rock, paper, scissors on wheels

Producers: Katy Lee and Wojciech Oleksiak

Music: Jim Barne and Mariska Martina

This podcast is part of the Are We Europe family. Find more like-minded European podcasts at areweeurope.com/audio-family.

Twitter | Instagram | hello@europeanspodcast.com