Overview

This bill aims to temporarily ban the use of automated facial recognition technology (AFRT) in public spaces across the UK while a comprehensive review of its use is undertaken. The review will assess the technology's impact on human rights, data protection, accuracy, and the existing regulatory framework. The bill also outlines potential penalties for those who violate the moratorium.

Description

The bill establishes a moratorium on the operation, installation, or commissioning of AFRT equipment in UK public places. AFRT is defined as any equipment automatically detecting and biometrically recognizing facial images from still or moving images, regardless of when identification occurs. "Public place" is broadly defined to include any location accessible to the public.

Exceptions: The moratorium does not apply to activities authorized under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (England & Wales) or the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Scotland) Act 2000.

Penalties: Violating the moratorium is a criminal offense, punishable by up to 51 weeks imprisonment (England & Wales) or 6 months (Scotland & Northern Ireland), a fine, or both.

Review: The bill mandates a review of AFRT's use in public places within three months of the bill’s passage, with a report due within a year. The review's terms of reference must cover equality and human rights implications, data protection, accuracy, regulatory adequacy, and recommendations for addressing issues identified. The review panel must be independent of the government. Parliament must approve the review's terms of reference before it begins.

Commencement: The bill comes into effect two months after it is passed.

Government Spending

The bill will incur costs associated with commissioning and conducting the review of AFRT. Specific figures are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Law enforcement agencies: May be significantly impacted by the moratorium on the use of AFRT in public spaces.
• Private companies: Companies using or planning to use AFRT in public areas will be affected by the moratorium.
• Civil liberties groups: Likely to see this bill as a positive step towards protecting privacy and civil liberties.
• The public: Will experience a temporary halt to the use of AFRT in public places, potentially affecting surveillance and security measures.

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