Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon has rejected the use of facial recognition technology in schools, saying its introduction is not “proportionate or necessary”.
Ms Sturgeon’s comments come after a Scottish local authority attempted to introduce facial recognition as a means for pupils to pay for their school meals earlier this month.
North Ayrshire Council introduced the new payment system after the school October holidays in its nine secondary schools, saying it wanted to move to a contactless system as a result of the pandemic and also to speed up payment.
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The system was in place for less than a week, however, when its use was “paused” by the council after objections from privacy campaigners and an intervention from the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Today at First Minister’s Questions, Willie Rennie, the former Liberal Democrat leader and now education spokesperson, asked for the government’s position regarding the use of facial recognition technology in schools.
Ms Sturgeon said: “Facial recognition technologies in schools don’t appear to me to be proportionate or necessary.
“That said, as Willie Rennie will be aware, the introduction of biometric identification systems is a matter for local authorities and schools.”
The first minister added: “Scottish government is clear that prior to introducing biometric systems, an education authority should carry out a privacy impact assessment or proportionate equivalent and consult with pupils and parents. Information should also be provided on data protection, how to opt out, consent issues and alternative systems which may be used.
“Schools and local authorities will also pay due attention to the Information Commissioner’s Office requirements that organisations using facial recognition technology comply with data protection law before, during and after its use.”
Ms Sturgeon also said that she would “give consideration” to expanding the role of the Scottish Biometrics Commissioner.
Former police chief superintendent Dr Brian Plastow was appointed to the new independent role in March and as the first commissioner will set up the office.
However, currently, his remit is to ensure biometric data such as fingerprints, DNA, facial recognition and voice recordings are used lawfully and ethically by the police and others in the criminal justice system - and the commissioner does not have the power to intervene when it comes to education and health.
Mr Rennie said Ms Sturgeon had opposed the expansion of the new commissioner’s remit in the past and asked her if she would reconsider.
She said she was happy to give consideration to the suggestion.
