‘The ICO opinion of facial recognition technology’ Julian Hayes and Michael Drury

‘The ICO opinion of facial recognition technology’ Julian Hayes and Michael Drury

BCL partners Julian Hayes and Michael Drury speak to Data Protection Magazine on Facial Recognition Technology.

Here’s an extract from the article:

“Ahead of an upcoming appeal against the High Court ruling permitting police use of facial recognition technology (FRT), the Information Commissioner on 31 October published her first ever official opinion under the Data Protection Act.

Coming from the UK’s respected data supervisor, the document, tackling the use of FRT by law enforcement, will carry considerable weight.

The ICO’s opinion is being published at a time of considerable controversy for this ground-breaking technology. Its use has excited much criticism from privacy campaigners around the world, with the EU reportedly planning new regulation from next year and several US cities banning it outright.

UK law enforcement has been cautious, trialling the technology in various locations. In September, following a legal challenge to one such trial by South Wales Police, the High Court delivered its judgment on FRT, dismissing claims brought by Ed Bridges and Liberty that it breached the European Convention on Human Rights, data protection legislation and equalities laws.”

This article was originally published by Data Protection Magazine on 05/11/19. You can read the full version on their website.

 

Authors:

Julian Hayes is a partner specialising in all aspects of corporate crime and regulatory work. As well as dealing with high profile fraud and corruption matters, including investigations with an international dimension, he has considerable experience of advising corporates on data protection and cybercrime issues.

Michael Drury is a partner with a diverse practice, ranging from extradition to representing individuals in regulatory proceedings brought by the FCA; acting in criminal investigations by the SFO; and is a leading expert on surveillance and investigatory powers as well as information law and cybercrime.