British Security Industry Wants Clarity On Post-Biometrics Commissioner Landscape

The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) is seeking clarification from the UK government regarding the future of the Biometric & Surveillance Camera Commissioner (B&SCC) role following the impending departure of its current commissioner, Fraser Sampson. Sampson is set to step down from his role at the end of October 2023, leaving a void in overseeing biometric and surveillance matters in the country.

The BSIA’s call for clarity comes as the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill (DPDI) progresses through parliament. The bill is expected to absorb the functions of the B&SCC into the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s office. Furthermore, the DPDI bill, in its current form, removes the requirement for the government to publish a Surveillance Camera Code of Practice.

The relationship between the BSIA and the Office of the Surveillance Camera Commissioner dates back to 2014. The BSIA played a significant role in various key industry initiatives, collaborating on the National Surveillance Camera Strategy for England & Wales. As IFSEC Insider reports, this collaboration resulted in the creation of keystone documents, including recommended standards for video surveillance systems, compliance resources, and a self-certification scheme for manufacturers.

“Given the prolific emergence of biometric technologies associated with video surveillance, now is a crucial time for government, industry, and the independent commissioner(s) to work close together to ensure video surveillance is used appropriately, proportionately, and most important, ethically,” said BSIA Director of Technical Services Dave Wilkinson. “The B&SCC was a sterling example of a government and private sector partnership with tangible outcomes of benefit to all; failure to continue in a similar vein would be detrimental to any progress in future implementation of codes of conduct.”

For his part, Commissioner Sampson had earlier consented to an extension of his tenure until the DPDI Bill secured Royal Assent. However, he explicitly mentioned that due to personal commitments, he would be out of the country by late 2023. Subsequently, changes to the parliamentary schedule had postponed the Bill’s advancement until at least spring 2024. Despite this delay, Sampson expressed his willingness to carry on fulfilling his responsibilities until the conclusion of October.

Source: IFSEC Insider

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August 30, 2023 – by the FindBiometrics Editorial Team