Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals for the regulation of the use of automated facial recognition software.

Facial recognition software is a new and potentially valuable law enforcement tool in reducing crime and protecting the public. The Surveillance Camera Code of Practice already requires the use of facial recognition systems to be clearly justified and proportionate in meeting its stated purpose, and data protection legislation and the College of Policing’s Authorised Professional Practice governs the retention of facial images. The Government also plans to improve independent oversight and governance of police use of the technology.