Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner questioned on human rights concerns
The Joint Committee on Human Rights scrutinises the work of the Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner, Professor Fraser Sampson, on Wednesday 22 February.
Meeting details
The Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner combines two formerly separate roles. The Commissioner is responsible for reviewing the use and retention of DNA samples, DNA profiles and fingerprints by the police. He also encourages compliance with the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice and reviews how the code is working. The Commissioner provides an annual report to the Home Secretary on both functions.
In this evidence session, the Joint Committee on Human Rights investigates human rights concerns associated with the use of biometric data by the police. This will include the extent of compliance with restrictions governing the retention of DNA samples and fingerprints. It will also examine whether a lack of regulation over the collection of digital facial images and the development of new technologies such as live facial recognition raises human rights concerns.
The Committee questions whether the Surveillance Camera Code provides sufficient protections to the right to private life, and whether there are sufficient penalties for non-compliance. It also examines fears that the prevalence of mass surveillance equipment in the UK is having a ‘chilling effect’ on freedom of expression.