Scottish biometrics commissioner launches 4-year strategic plan

Scottish Biometrics Commissioner Dr Brian Plastow has launched a new four-year strategic plan to review Police Scotland's use of biometric data. The initiative aims to promote public awareness and will feature four in-depth assurance reviews, beginning next spring with a focus on the acquisition, retention, use, and destruction of fingerprints collected for criminal justice purposes.

The plan follows a controversial September decision by Police Scotland to proceed with live facial recognition (LFR) technology, which has faced political opposition due to human rights concerns. Dr Plastow noted the "exponential" growth of biometrics, including LFR and artificial intelligence (AI), raising complex questions about balancing public safety with privacy and ethical considerations. Future reviews will examine Police Scotland's policy and practice regarding data obtained from electronic devices and body-worn cameras.

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