Throughout 2020 the Ada Lovelace Institute convened a Citizens’ Biometrics Council to bring the public’s voice into the debate on technologies which collect and process biometric data, like live facial recognition and digital fingerprinting.
Digital and data-driven biometrics technologies are being developed and deployed in contexts from policing and border security to schools and supermarkets. These technologies raise questions around surveillance, consent, data protection and more, that cannot be addressed without involving public perspectives.
The Council included a demographically diverse group of 50 members of the UK public. They participated in a series of in-person and online workshops between February and October in 2020.
During the workshops, Council Members considered evidence about the use of biometrics technologies and heard from experts on how they’re used, the ethical questions they raise, and the state of regulatory oversight.
Council members developed and addressed a central question: what is or isn’t OK when it comes to the use of biometrics technologies?
The Councils’ conclusions and recommendations aim to support a deeper understanding of public perspectives and values on biometrics. The findings will inform policymakers, regulators, technologists and other stakeholders, strengthening transparency, legitimacy and accountability on UK biometrics policy