The independent commissioner for biometrics and surveillance cameras has told the government he has ‘serious concerns’ about its plans to absorb oversight of key police powers into the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO.)

On Wednesday, current biometrics commissioner Fraser Sampson formally responded to the proposal for the public body to absorb the functions of his role, which was outlined in a
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport consultation.

“Finding the right balance between the privacy concerns and entitlements of the individual, while harnessing new technology ethically, accountably and proportionately, is proving a significant challenge for policing today; tomorrow’s technology will make it even more so,” said Sampson. “The functions of these two important roles are very different.”

He added: “The Biometrics Commissioner role is quasi-judicial and covers police retention and use of DNA and fingerprints, the Surveillance Camera Commissioner role is more strategic in providing oversight of the surveillance of public space by the police and local authorities.”

The commissioner warned that the functions are much more than upholding data rights and said their absorption by the ICO misunderstands the “specific nature and importance of both.”

Alongside ethical concerns, unclear governance has driven a backlash against the use of second-generation biometrics by police .

In recent years, the biometrics commissioner role was merged with that of the surveillance camera commissioner. This has sparked concern from critics, who believe this is a huge responsibility for just one person.

Sampson told the government that it had a “once-in-this-generation” opportunity to reform the police use of biometrics and surveillance, build public trust, and provide assurance of ethical practice and leadership.

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