Human Rights and Ethical Considerations - Transparency and Proportionality

There is a legal and moral obligation to inform members of the public that LFR is in operation. Forces in England and Wales have therefore used clear signage in areas of deployment to make all passers-by aware that the technology is currently being used.

Data Protection Impact Assessments completed by MPS and SWP also state that they minimise the amount of personal data being processed during LFR deployments by ensuring that any captured images that are not matched to the watchlist are deleted immediately.

Both MPS and SWP also publish their Facial Recognition policy documents, impact assessments and records of deployment online for open access. Having an open record of usage and clear policy around LFR has been recommended by the College of Policing as a means of ensuring that use is limited to specific deployments, which are necessary and proportionate to fulfil a legitimate law enforcement or public safeguarding purpose.

The research and consultancy firm Gartner have also published guidance around the ethical and responsible use of LFR. They highlight that LFR should be used for “specific, deliberate, predefined purposes” and organisations may encounter ethical issues if they deviate from these original purposes. The Biometrics Institute also stresses the importance of ethical use of any biometric technology. In particular, this should include public consultation and transparency to maintain public consent and trust when LFR use is being considered in a policing context.