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Retail Trade: Biometrics

Asked by Mr Andrew SnowdenConservativeHome OfficeTabled Answered 10 September 2025UIN 74504

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department has issued guidance to retailers on the use of live facial recognition technology for (a) security and (b) commercial purposes.

Answered by Sarah Jones

The Home Office has not issued guidance to retailers on the use of live facial recognition technology, as systems used privately are entirely separate from law enforcement systems.

However, all users of FR must comply with the law and the ICO has provided supporting guidance on the use of video surveillance.

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