Once in force, the Scottish Biometrics Commissioner Bill aims to ensure that the police’s approach to biometric data, including the potential use of new technologies such as facial recognition software, is carried out in a lawful, effective, proportionate and ethical way.

The commissioner will prepare a code of practice to provide guidance and information on good practice for obtaining, using, holding and destroying biometric data for Police Scotland, the Scottish Police Authority and the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner.

The bill approved by MSPs will also establish a complaints procedure for members of the public who may have concerns about how their data is being collected, held, disposed of and used, and an independent advisory group to provide advice to the Biometrics Commissioner.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf, who brought the legislation to Parliament, said: “The role of biometrics is increasingly important in how crime is investigated, detected and prosecuted in Scotland. This legislation will ensure quality and consistency in how biometric data is collected, used, retained and destroyed by policing bodies.

“It is important that we equip Scotland’s police officers with the necessary technology to ensure they can continue to keep people safe. At the same time, it is important that the public has absolute confidence in those technological advances and how their data will be collected or retained.”