United Kingdom: Home Office closes consultation on legal framework for law enforcement use of biometrics, facial recognition and similar technologies

On 12 February 2026, the Home Office closes the public consultation on the New legal framework for law enforcement use of biometrics, facial recognition, and similar technologies. The consultation document proposes a statutory framework for the use of biometric, inferential, and object-recognition technologies by law enforcement organisations in England and Wales and for reserved matters across the United Kingdom. It describes the technologies covered, including live, retrospective, and operator-initiated facial recognition, and addresses issues such as the acquisition, retention, and use of facial images, assessments of necessity and proportionality, potential interference with privacy, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly, safeguards when searching other Government databases, and authorisation requirements. The consultation also proposes the creation of a single independent oversight body with powers to set standards, issue statutory codes, conduct investigations, and ensure compliance. Responses must be submitted to the Data and Identity Directorate, and a government response paper will follow within 12 weeks.