Commission Welcomes Stage 1 Report on Scottish Biometrics Commissioner Bill

The Commission welcomes the Scottish Parliament Justice Committee's Stage 1 Report on the Scottish Biometrics Commissioner Bill which concludes that a new Biometrics Commissioner should have stronger enforcement powers. 

In particular, we are pleased to see evidence given by Judith Robertson, Chair of the Commission, reflected in the Commission's conclusions that the Code of Practice must be placed on a statutory footing.

We are pleased that the Committee recognises that human rights, privacy, and public safety are central to this legislation and must underpin the use of biometric data by police. 

We urge the government to take forward these recommendations, and ensure the law and new structures are robust in protecting rights when it comes to using new technologies.

You can read more in our written evidence, available to download here.