Report Summary
The Chair of the Scottish Police Authority launched a national conversation on the potential use of Live Facial Recognition (LFR) in Scotland in June 2024. This paper aims to provide a summary of the available information on the use of LFR in a policing context.
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Note: This paper was updated in April 2025 with changes made to references on pages 10 and 11 of the paper.
Human Rights and Ethical Considerations - Governance of Biometric Data
Police Scotland have robust governance measures in place in respect of biometric data. Strategic oversight is provided by the Biometrics Oversight Board, led by the Assistant Chief Constable Major Crime, Local Crime and Public Protection. Board members include the Scottish Police Authority, the Scottish Biometrics Commissioner and the Scottish Government.
Police Scotland have also introduced a dedicated Biometric Data portfolio to strengthen internal governance assurance across biometric data. This includes ensuring weeding is applied in accordance with legal timeframes, as well as routine data quality and assurance reviews.
