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Written question asked by Iqbal Mohamed (Independent (affiliation)) on Monday, 8 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 June 2026. It was answered by Sarah Jones (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 June 2026 on behalf of the Home Office.

Police: Biometrics

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department has advised any police forces not to activate facial recognition functions within surveillance software.

Answer

The Home Office has not issued advice to police forces on the activation of specific facial recognition functions within surveillance software.

The use of facial recognition technology by police forces is an operational matter for chief constables, who are responsible for deciding how and when to deploy capabilities in accordance with the law and relevant guidance.

Police use of facial recognition is governed by a legal framework which includes data protection, equality, human rights laws, national guidance issued by the College of Policing, a surveillance camera code of practice and forces’ own published policies. Their use of the technology must be for a policing purpose and be necessary, proportionate and fair.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
7726
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Biometrics Software Police Surveillance
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk