Metropolitan Police: Biometrics

There is an established legal basis for use of live facial recognition technology, including by the Metropolitan Police service. This has been tested and confirmed by the Courts, and includes requirements for compliance with data protection, equality, and human rights laws. A number of public bodies are currently responsible for overseeing police, including the Metropolitan Police Service, use of live facial recognition technology. These bodies include the Information Commissioners Office, Equality and Human Rights Commission, His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, Independent Office for Police Conduct, Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner. In addition, users of the technology must comply with College of Policing guidance and their own published policies. To provide further confidence to both the public and policing that this technology is being used lawfully, and without bias the Government has committed to introducing a new legal framework, through the Police Reform Bill, to underpin law enforcement use of biometrics, facial recognition and similar technologies. Through this framework we will make it clear when use of these technologies can be justified and applied consistently. Additionally, this framework will also establish a single, expert body to provide independent advice and oversight. To inform the new legal framework governing law enforcement use of facial recognition, biometrics and similar technologies, the Government launched a public consultation on 04/12/2025. The consultation explored when and how technologies like live facial recognition should be used and asked the public what factors are relevant to consider when assessing interference with privacy and other rights. The Government response to the consultation will be published in due course and a copy of the response will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses and published on Gov.uk.