FACIAL RECOGNITION: HOW POLICING IN SCOTLAND MAKES USE OF THIS TECHNOLOGY
https://digitalpublications.parliament.scot/Committees/Report/JSP/2020/2/11/Facial-recognition--how-policing-in-Scotland-makes-use-of-this-technology
Scottish Parliament Recent Reports Aithisgean ùra Committee Reports Aithisgean Chomataidh Research Briefings Brathan-ullachaidh Rannsachadh Feedback Ais-eòlas FACIAL RECOGNITION: HOW POLICING IN SCOTLAND MAKES USE OF THIS TECHNOLOGYSHARE Overview Report Sources 7 MEMBERS 4 REPORTS Justice Sub-Committee on Policing Website Email 0131 348 5220 Executive Summary The introduction of live facial recognition to policing in the UK is a relatively new phenomenon. Police Scotland has an ambition, outlined in its 10-year strategy, to introduce its use by 2026. Its assessment of the likely equalities and human rights impact as “likely to be positive in nature” is in stark contrast to the evidence received by the Justice Sub-Committee on Policing. The live facial recognition software which is currently available to the police service is known to discriminate against females, and those from black, Asian and ethnic minority communities. For this reason, the Sub-Committee believes that there would be no justifiable basis for Police Scotland to invest in this technology. We therefore welcome confirmation from Police Scotland that they have no intention to introduce it at this time. Prior to any decision to introduce live facial recognition technology to policing in Scotland, it is essential that a robust and transparent assessment of its necessity and accuracy is undertaken, and that the potential impacts on people and communities are understood. The use of live facial recognition technology would be a radical departure from Police Scotland’s fundamental principle of policing by consent. Police Scotland need to demonstrate that its use of this technology is provided for in legislation and meets human rights and data protection requirements. This short inquiry has highlighted the pressing need for a much wider debate on the use of live facial recognition technology by the police service, as well as more widely across the public sector, and by private companies. Politicians could play a key role in determining whether there is public consent for the use of this technology. The Sub-Committee hopes that this inquiry has gone some way to begin that debate, and that the Scottish Government will take up the challenge. Police Scotland currently use retrospective facial recognition technology. Its procedures and practices would benefit from a review by the Scottish Police Authority and any incoming Scottish Biometrics Commissioner. In particular, consideration of the risks and legal implications of Police Scotland accessing and using any images held illegally on the UK Police National Database of people who have not been convicted of any crime. The same concerns arise from Police Scotland’s ability to access and use images of people who have not been convicted of any crime, but which are retained on the legacy IT systems they inherited from the former Scottish police forces. The Sub-Committee believes that the police must have all necessary tools at their disposal to combat crime and keep communities safe. New technologies have the potential to assist Police Scotland in detecting and solving crimes. However, each new technology must be assessed on its merits, with an honest and transparent discussion of both the benefits and the risks. The Sub-Committee warmly welcomes Police Scotland’s intention to introduce the use of ethics panels to consult with relevant stakeholders to identify and mitigate risks, and to inform its decisions on whether to introduce new technologies. RELATED CONTENT Last Updated: 11/2 2:54pm Glossary | Cookies | Contact Us | Sitemap | Published by The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body BACK TO TOP
Scottish Parliament Recent Reports Aithisgean ùra Committee Reports Aithisgean Chomataidh Research Briefings Brathan-ullachaidh Rannsachadh Feedback Ais-eòlas FACIAL RECOGNITION: HOW POLICING IN SCOTLAND MAKES USE OF THIS TECHNOLOGYSHARE Overview Report Sources 7 MEMBERS 4 REPORTS Justice Sub-Committee on Policing Website Email 0131 348 5220 Executive Summary The introduction of live facial recognition to policing in the UK is a relatively new phenomenon. Police Scotland has an ambition, outlined in its 10-year strategy, to introduce its use by 2026. Its assessment of the likely equalities and human rights impact as “likely to be positive in nature” is in stark contrast to the evidence received by the Justice Sub-Committee on Policing. The live facial recognition software which is currently available to the police service is known to discriminate against females, and those from black, Asian and ethnic minority communities. For this reason, the Sub-Committee believes that there would be no justifiable basis for Police Scotland to invest in this technology. We therefore welcome confirmation from Police Scotland that they have no intention to introduce it at this time. Prior to any decision to introduce live facial recognition technology to policing in Scotland, it is essential that a robust and transparent assessment of its necessity and accuracy is undertaken, and that the potential impacts on people and communities are understood. The use of live facial recognition technology would be a radical departure from Police Scotland’s fundamental principle of policing by consent. Police Scotland need to demonstrate that its use of this technology is provided for in legislation and meets human rights and data protection requirements. This short inquiry has highlighted the pressing need for a much wider debate on the use of live facial recognition technology by the police service, as well as more widely across the public sector, and by private companies. Politicians could play a key role in determining whether there is public consent for the use of this technology. The Sub-Committee hopes that this inquiry has gone some way to begin that debate, and that the Scottish Government will take up the challenge. Police Scotland currently use retrospective facial recognition technology. Its procedures and practices would benefit from a review by the Scottish Police Authority and any incoming Scottish Biometrics Commissioner. In particular, consideration of the risks and legal implications of Police Scotland accessing and using any images held illegally on the UK Police National Database of people who have not been convicted of any crime. The same concerns arise from Police Scotland’s ability to access and use images of people who have not been convicted of any crime, but which are retained on the legacy IT systems they inherited from the former Scottish police forces. The Sub-Committee believes that the police must have all necessary tools at their disposal to combat crime and keep communities safe. New technologies have the potential to assist Police Scotland in detecting and solving crimes. However, each new technology must be assessed on its merits, with an honest and transparent discussion of both the benefits and the risks. The Sub-Committee warmly welcomes Police Scotland’s intention to introduce the use of ethics panels to consult with relevant stakeholders to identify and mitigate risks, and to inform its decisions on whether to introduce new technologies. RELATED CONTENT Last Updated: 11/2 2:54pm Glossary | Cookies | Contact Us | Sitemap | Published by The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body BACK TO TOP
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