Human Rights Commission welcomes recommendations on police use of biometric data

Judith Robertson

The Scottish Human Rights Commission has welcomed the Scottish government’s response to today’s report by the Independent Advisory Group on the Use of Biometric Data.

Judith Robertson, chair of the Commission (pictured) said: “The commission welcomes the introduction of a code of practice based on legislation and an ethics advisory group which will provide a valuable forum for considering the ethical impact on society, groups and individuals of using biometric technologies.

“We also strongly support the need for an independent Scottish Biometrics Commissioner answerable to the Scottish Parliament and adequately resourced to ensure trust, transparency and accountability for the collection of personal data.

“The commission was encouraged by the well-informed and participatory process undertaken by the chair of the Independent Advisory Group. There is a continuing need to raise public awareness and confidence in other areas of technology where data is gathered and used.

“Human rights should continue to be mainstreamed into the strategies, policies and operational processes of policing as well as in other public and private organisations that use modern technologies and personal data.”

Share icon
Share this article: