Uk Biometrics And Forensics Ethics Group

Four Working Groups: Science and Technology Ethics Advisory Committee Terms of Reference

The Science and Technology Ethics Advisory Committee (formerly Biometrics and Forensics Ethics Group) maintains four working groups to manage resources and distribute work on science and technology ethics matters. The groups cover artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, biometrics and facial recognition, Home Office biometrics ethics, and police ethics advisory functions.

8 Governing Principles for Biometrics and Forensics Ethics

The Science and Technology Ethics Advisory Committee (STEAC), formerly the Biometrics and Forensics Ethics Group, publishes 8 governing ethical principles for biometrics and forensics. These principles apply to all operational and governance stages including procurement, operation, and review of biometric and forensic services and data analysis used by the Home Office. The principles were updated in 2020 and 2023, with the latest update noting the committee's name change.

Six New Members Join Biometrics and Forensics Ethics Group

BFEG announced the appointment of 6 new members who commenced their roles in June and July 2024 for a first term of 3 years ending in June and July 2027. Members are public appointments recruited to provide independent expert advice to the Home Office on ethical considerations in the use of biometrics, forensics, machine learning and complex data sets.

Public Sector Use of Biometric Voice Recognition Technology: Ethical Issues

The Biometrics and Forensics Ethics Group (BFEG) has published a briefing note summarising findings from a scoping exercise on the technical, ethical, and legal dimensions of biometric voice recognition technology use by the public sector. The Group gathered evidence from stakeholders across public sector bodies, academia, and civil society. The briefing focuses on two principal use-cases: law enforcement surveillance applications and secure portal login for government user services.