Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if his Department will issue guidance to retailers on ethical standards for the use of facial recognition technology.

The use of live facial recognition technology (LFRT) in retail is governed by multiple legal frameworks, including data protection, employment, equalities, and human rights law. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the data protection regulator, has issued guidance clarifying that retailers may use FRT to prevent crime, such as shoplifting, if it is necessary, proportionate, and lawful. The guidance also clarifies that, where FRT captures personal or sensitive data, it is regulated under UK’s data protection framework. Using FRT in this way will require retailers to be aware and comply with key principles such as fairness, transparency, accuracy and retention. DSIT continues to monitor developments in this space and supports the ICO’s role in providing guidance to organisations to help their compliance.