Appendix A: National Conversation on Live Facial Recognition - Survey Key Findings

Introduction

This report outlines the key headline findings of a survey conducted as part of the National Conversation on Live Facial Recognition being conducted by the Scottish Police Authority, Police Scotland and the
Scottish Biometrics Commissioner.

The survey opened on 10th April and closed on 4th May 2025. In total 2,694 responses were received.

Methodology

Quantitative data has been analysed using Microsoft Excel with ‘Don’t know’ and ‘Not Answered’ responses included in totals and calculations.

Demographics

The majority of respondents:

Responded as individuals (99%)

Had not been a victim and/or witness to crime (58%)

Identified as men (53%)

Expressed they were not trans or did not have trans history (83%)

Were aged 35 or over (65%)

Identified as heterosexual (69%)

Had no physical or mental health conditions or illness expected to last for 12 months or more (60%).

Identified as White Scottish (64%)

Stated they had no religion (54%)

Had no caring responsibilities (65%)

Did not have care experience (76%)

Quantitative Key Findings

Headline

The sample was split on level of comfort with Police Scotland using LFR in the delivery of policing in Scotland. 49% were ‘very/somewhat comfortable’ and 48% were ‘somewhat/very uncomfortable’ – see Figure1.

Respondents were most likely to have no change in comfort if Police Scotland only used LFR in specific circumstances as opposed to it being part of routine policing in Scotland (48%) – see Figure 2.

The majority of respondents felt ‘very/somewhat comfortable’ with Police Scotland using LFR in all the use case examples outlined.

Use Case 1 – 60% - see Figure 3

Use Case 2 – 59% - see Figure 4

Use Case 3 – 60% - see Figure 5

The majority of respondents (64%) ‘strongly agreed/agreed’ to Police Scotland carrying out further public engagement on the use of LFR in Scotland – see Figure 6.