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Publication of the 2nd Annual Report of the Biometrics and Forensics Ethics Group

My Noble Friend the Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Williams of Trafford) has today made the following Written Ministerial Statement:

Today I am pleased to announce the publication of the 2^nd annual report of the Biometrics and Forensic Ethics Group. The Group provides Ministers with independent advice on matters relating to data ethics and ethical issues in forensic science and biometrics.

I would like to thank the Group for their strategic advice concerning the use and retention of biometric identifiers and for their advice on the development and testing of new biometric technologies.

The group have made four recommendations covering; the testing and use of Live Facial Recognition technologies by police forces; the design and implementation of Data Privacy Impact Assessments with the Home Office; and the use of familial DNA analysis results in assessing the value of genetic genealogy techniques for law enforcement.

In addition, the group continue to recommend a review of biometric retention and deletion schedules, particularly regarding custody images.

The Biometrics and Forensics Ethics Group annual report can be viewed on the website of the Group at https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/biometrics-and-forensics-ethics-group and a copy will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.