UK SCC

DCMS Consultation on Biometric Data and Surveillance Reform

DCMS launched a consultation on reforms to the UK data protection regime. The consultation proposes legislative changes to streamline police collection, use, and retention of biometric data, and suggests merging the Biometrics Commissioner and Surveillance Camera Commissioner functions under the Information Commissioner's Office for simplified oversight.

Best Practice Guidance 'Facing the Camera' on Police Use of Live Facial Recognition

The UK Surveillance Camera Commissioner has issued best practice guidance titled 'Facing the Camera' for police forces in England and Wales on the lawful deployment of Live Facial Recognition technology. This is the first guidance issued since the Court of Appeal overturned South Wales Police's use of LFR in the Bridges v South Wales Police case. The guidance helps forces understand how to deploy LFR in compliance with current legal requirements while balancing civil liberties.

Fraser Sampson Appointed Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner

The Home Secretary has appointed Fraser Sampson as the government's new independent Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner, effective 1 March 2021. This appointment consolidates the previously separate Biometrics Commissioner and Surveillance Camera Commissioner roles into a single position. The Commissioner will promote compliance with the Surveillance Camera Code and rules on police use of DNA profiles and fingerprints under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.

Fraser Sampson Raises Concerns on Police Biometrics Oversight

Professor Fraser Sampson, the Independent Commissioner for Biometrics and Surveillance Cameras, submitted a formal response to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport consultation 'Data: a new direction'. He raised serious concerns about proposals to absorb oversight of police biometric and surveillance camera powers into the Information Commissioner's Office. The consultation questions regarding these transfers appear on page 142 of the 146-page document.

Surveillance Camera Code of Practice Amendments Laid in Parliament

The Surveillance Camera Commissioner laid an updated Surveillance Camera Code of Practice before Parliament on 16 November 2021 pursuant to Section 31(3) of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012. Subject to parliamentary approval, the updated code is due to come into effect on 12 January 2022.