Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner’s Annual Report for 2021/2022 released

The Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner’s (B&SCC) Annual Report for 2021/2022 has been released. The report, written by the Commissioner, Fraser Sampson, highlights the following key points:

• A reference to a new Data Protection and Digital Information Bill (DPDI Bill), which removes the need to publish and maintain a Surveillance Camera                Code of Practice and will result in the abolition of the B&SCC role.

• The DPDI Bill transfers the existing casework functions of the B&SCC to those of the Investigatory Powers Commissioner (IPC). 

• It makes it clear there is still a distinct gap between how facial recognition technology is being used and how it is perceived as being used.

• The SCC code remains the only legal instrument expressly to acknowledge that Live Facial Recognition has a legitimate role in policing. 

• The SCC code has a wider value, not only to policing, but government, public and private sector. 

David Wilkinson, Director of Technical Services, BSIA, said: "We have held regular update meetings with Fraser, since his appointment in March 2021, which have provided great value to both him and the Association sharing important developments between government and industry, especially around facial recognition technology and its ethical use. We will continue to liaise with Fraser for as long as he is in post, and hopefully beyond this, given his wealth of expertise and knowledge in this subject area of importance to our industry sector."

The Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner’s Annual Report for 2021/2022 and the Government’s response have now been published on the B&SCC website. 

ENDS