PEOPLE are being urged to have their say on the way facial recognition technology is used by police.
Holyrood’s Justice Sub-Committee on Policing has launched an inquiry into the software, probing the human rights implications of the advancements.
Any local residents who would like to make their opinions known should do so online by Friday, November 1.
Police Scotland currently uses the technology ‘retrospectively’ on CCTV images, matching the faces to people on the Police National Database.
John Finnie MSP, convener of the Justice Sub-Committee on Policing, said: “Facial recognition could be a useful tool for police in fighting crime and keeping communities safe. However, it should not be forgotten that this technology is invasive to citizens’ privacy.
“The human rights and legal implications of using facial recognition need to be understood.
“The sub-committee wants to be reassured that police services are striking the right balance when using this technology.
“We have a number of concerns we look forward to exploring further in the months ahead.”
The sub-committee is particularly looking for views on the legal ramifications of the technology, as well as potential problems in oversight and transparency.
The Scottish Biometrics Commissioner Bill is currently making its way through Holyrood and would install a commissioner whose remit would include oversight of facial recognition.
To have your say, visit www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/CurrentCommittees/113104.aspx
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