Statement on police use of facial recognition technology (FRT)

An ICO spokesperson said:

“Facial recognition technology (FRT) can bring clear benefits in helping to prevent and detect crime, but it relies on processing large amounts of sensitive personal data. Therefore, its use must be necessary and proportionate, and its design must meet expectations of fairness and accuracy. The role of the ICO is to scrutinise how it is used in practice to ensure compliance with data protection law. We continue to work both with those using the technology and members of the public to support compliance and understanding of how the law applies. 
 
“The use of FRT by the police is evolving, including with the introduction of officer initiated facial recognition (OIFR). People must be able to trust that technology is being used responsibly, and we are committed to ensuring appropriate use and improving public confidence about the safeguards surrounding its use. We have renewed our focus on police use of FRT this year and will publish further details when we launch our AI and biometrics strategy later in the Spring.”