Overview

This bill proposes a temporary ban (moratorium) on the use of automated facial recognition technology (AFRT) in public spaces across the UK. It also mandates a comprehensive review of AFRT's use, considering its impact on human rights, data protection, accuracy, and existing regulations. The review will inform whether the ban should be lifted.

Description

The bill makes it a criminal offence to operate, install, or commission AFRT equipment in public places for surveillance purposes. This includes any technology that automatically identifies faces from images, regardless of when the identification occurs. "Public place" is broadly defined to include areas accessible to the public. The ban does not apply to activities already authorized under existing investigatory powers legislation. Penalties for violating the moratorium vary across the UK nations.

Review Process

The bill requires the Secretary of State to commission a review of AFRT within three months of the bill becoming law. This review, to be completed within a year, must examine the equality and human rights implications, data protection aspects, technological accuracy, regulatory adequacy, and propose solutions. The review panel will be independent of government and Parliament will be presented with the findings and Government response.

Government Spending

The bill will incur costs associated with the commissioning and running of the independent review of AFRT. Specific cost figures are not included in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Law enforcement agencies: May experience limitations on surveillance capabilities.
• Private companies: Those using AFRT in public spaces for security or other purposes will be affected by the moratorium.
• Civil liberties groups: May see the bill as a positive step in protecting privacy and preventing potential abuses of AFRT.
• The public: Will be impacted by the changed levels of surveillance. Those concerned about privacy rights may welcome the moratorium while others might have safety concerns

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