Government needs to take the work of the Office of the Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner (OBSCC) more seriously, and provide it with appropriate resources if it continues in its current form, according to its annual report.
The report, compiled by previous commissioner Tony Eastaugh before he left the job in August, was published yesterday by the Home Office at a time when there is uncertainty over the future of the organisation.
It was due to be abolished under the previous Government’s Data Protection and Digital Information Bill, but this was lost in Parliament’s ‘wash up’ before the general election in July. It is not yet clear whether the new Government intends to go through with the plan or retain the office - although the OBSCC's announcement said it understands the Home Office is considering the appointment of a new commissioner.
The report says that, despite the importance of the OBCSCC’s work, it has been difficult to win interest within Whitehall, and that if it is to continue it needs to be fully staffed and appropriately funded.
In addition, there is a need for consideration of how the office fits within the larger regulatory functions that overlap with AI, and for greater certainty in the shape of regulation for some areas, including AI, new and emerging biometrics and facial recognition.
Potential deficiencies
The latter is noted for being particularly contentious, with potential deficiencies in policy and regulations as the technology is rolled out more widely, especially among police forces. This requires engagement with stakeholders on issues including the huge datasets being generated – which can be used in ways not originally expected – a lack of guidance on the use of emerging technologies, more transparency about how it is deployed, and a clear definition of the relevant role of the OBSCC.
The report also highlights concerns over the IT used to record and keep national security determinations (NSDs) to retain the biometrics of people considered a threat to national security. It says there has to be new investment in the IT system and a process for reviewing NSDs.
