News

Welcome to the December 2025 newsletter for the Scottish Biometrics Commissioner Since our last newsletter I have laid our 2024/25 Annual Report and Accounts and the first statutory review of our Code of Practice. I have also laid our 2025/29...

The Commissioner has provided the following response to the Home Offices consultation on potential new blueprint and legal framework for England and Wales on law enforcement use of biometrics, facial recognition, and similar technologies.

The ILPC Annual Conference 2025 Regulating AI in a Changing World: Oversight and Enforcement was held in London on 20 November. The Commissioner gave the ILPC Annual Lecture his speak was on the benefits and risks of AI for law...

The Commissioner and Director gave evidence to the SPA Board today on various matters including our new Strategic Plan. In a discussion about the review of SBC functions by Scottish Government, the Chief Constable stated that she would welcome any...

The annual global Biometrics Institute Congress takes place in London on 15 and 16 October. This is the largest global gathering of biometric practitioners, government, regulators, civil society, and academia, with delegates from the United Nations, FBI, Interpol, UKG, European...

The Scottish Biometrics Commissioner Dr Brian Plastow has accepted an invitation to deliver the annual ILPC lecture at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies in London on 20 November 2025.

At the meeting of the Scottish Police Authority Board on 21 August 2025, Chief Officers of Police Scotland confirmed that they have taken the decision to move ahead with the future use of LFR by Police Scotland. Police Scotland confirmed...

Yesterday the Home Secretary announced the Home Offices intention to consult on a new legal framework for the law enforcement use of facial recognition and similar technologies in England and Wales.

The Commissioner is seeking views on our next Strategic Plan which will run from November 2025 to November 2029.

On July 10, 2025, the Scottish Biometrics Commissioner hosted an engaging and thoughtful workshop with a group of vulnerable adults and team members of COSLA and SOLD network (a partnership between People First Scotland and the Association for Real Change...

Welcome to the June 2025 newsletter for the Scottish Biometrics Commissioner Since our last newsletter I have laid two assurance reports this year. The subject of the reports are DNA and Retrospective Facial Search.

The Scottish Biometrics Commissioner Dr Brian Plastow has today welcomed the appointment of Francesca Whitelaw KC as the interim Biometrics Commissioner for England and Wales. The role of the Biometrics Commissioner for England and Wales has been vacant since August...