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Police: Biometrics

Asked by Sir John HayesConservativeHome OfficeTabled Answered 21 May 2026UIN 1125

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether it is her policy that police forces in England use facial recognition technology during protests.

Answered by Sarah Jones

The police have a responsibility to monitor a protest if serious disorder is expected and to keep the public safe.

Facial recognition must be used in a way that complies with the legal framework which includes human rights, equality and data protection laws, national guidance, a code of practice and forces’ own published policies. This means that all deployments must be for a policing purpose and be necessary, proportionate, and fair.

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