Scotland votes to create a Biometrics Commissioner
After years of campaigning for proper oversight of sensitive biometric data, Open Rights Group (ORG) is delighted to see the Scottish Parliament have voted to create a Scottish Biometrics Commissioner.
The Commissioner will help ensure that biometrics data is underpinned by a lawful framework that respects the fundamental right to privacy.
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While facial recognition dominates the headlines we should recognise that biometrics is way more than that, from fingerprints and DNA to new generation biometrics such as iris and gait recognition. The Commissioner will help ensure that biometrics data is underpinned by a lawful framework that respects the fundamental right to privacy.
In 2017 ORG submitted evidence to the Independent Advisory Group on the use of Biometrics in Scotland. A consultation by the Scottish Government was later held and ORG ran a campaign to generate responses to demonstrate the public interest in creating an institution. The Scottish Government subsequently committed to establishing a Commissioner in their legislative programme for 2018-19 and voted to create the position in March 2020.
As Scotland establishes modern, effective institutions to oversee the collection, retention and use of our sensitive biometric data, the UK’s challenge has never been greater. Join ORG to help elevate our movement to protect digital privacy and challenge mass surveillance.