Independent report on changes to the functions of the Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner arising from the Data protection and Digital Innovation Bill

Citation

Webster W & Fussey P (2023) Independent report on changes to the functions of the Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner arising from the Data protection and Digital Innovation Bill. Office of the Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner/Home Office. Home Office, London. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/653f7128e6c968000daa9cae/Changes_to_the_functions_of_the_BSCC.pdf

Abstract
First paragraph: Introduction Society is witnessing an unprecedented acceleration in the capability and reach of surveillance technologies. At the time of writing, deployments of technologically advanced biometric surveillance techniques, including facial recognition technology, are accelerating at an unparalleled rate. The Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Fire has expressed clear ambitions to embed facial recognition technology into UK law enforcement, radically increase the reference database of comparable images, and in August 2023 the government announced a scheme to fund enhancements in the capability and feasibility for law enforcement and other security uses in the UK. Such developments raise the importance of meaningful oversight and regulation.

Keywords
Biometrics; surveillance cameras; CCTV; governance; Data Protection and Digital Innovation Bill; FRT