GOV.UK
The State of Surveillance
The State of Surveillance
The way overt surveillance cameras are being used is changing. Should there be an independent review looking at how they are used?
An ethical approach to Automated Facial Recognition
Regulars to my blog will know that my regulatory role in the context of surveillance camera systems extends to the overt use of automated facial recognition (AFR) technology by the police and local authorities. Over the past few years South …
Disclosure: the importance of complying with the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice.
The Surveillance Camera Code of Practice (the Code) is prepared by the Secretary of State by virtue of Section 29(1) Protection of Freedoms Act 2012. Its purpose being to drive up standards in the operation of surveillance camera systems in …
Release of Biometric Strategy
Well – the long awaited Government Biometric Strategy was released last week. This Strategy presumes to set the direction for the use of biometrics by law enforcement agencies and Home Office bodies. It proposes to establish an oversight and advisory …
Buyers Toolkit now available on SCC’s website
Alastair Thomas here! Following user testing and stakeholder consultation, we are delighted to announce that the Buyers Toolkit guidance is now available for download from the Surveillance Camera Commissioner’s website. The feedback received by the project team helped to fine …
Memorandum of Understanding between the Surveillance Camera Commissioner and the Forensic Science Regulator
As evolving surveillance technologies continue to present both opportunities and challenges for society, regulators have an ever more critical role to play in ensuring that appropriate legal and ethical standards exist, supported by guidance where necessary to govern their use …
Facing Up To Face Identification Systems (AFR)
In providing regulatory leadership in the context of surveillance camera systems, I remain committed to focusing my energies and influence to support and bring about debate to influence change for the public good. This week I called together many respected …
The Regulation of Face Identification Technology
I welcome the recent publication of the Big Brother Watch report, concerning face identification technology, as in my view it adds value to a much needed debate on a matter of growing public interest. The public interest demands clear legislation, …
When can you expect to see the SCC’s Buyers Toolkit?
Alastair Thomas here! I am the project manager responsible for delivery of the Buyers Toolkit (BTK). This work is being progressed as part of the Surveillance Camera Commissioner’s National Surveillance Camera Strategy. It is being provided to assist small and …
Standards Strand: National Surveillance Camera Strategy (England and Wales)
Hello, this is Alex Carmichael again (Chief Executive, SSAIB) reporting from the Commissioner’s Standard Strand. Before I get into this update blog I would like to thank all those representatives who attend the Standard Strand meeting and the organisations that …
Relevant Authorities – If you are operating Surveillance Camera Systems in public in England and Wales. Are you assured as to your legal responsibilities?
As an operator of a surveillance camera system you are faced with a framework of legal and regulatory requirements and industry standards, some of which place statutory responsibilities upon you in connection with the use of those systems depending upon …