Automated Facial Recognition in Law Enforcement: The Queen (On Application of Edward Bridges) v The Chief Constable of South Wales Police

Authors

  • Barrie Gordon University of South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/1727-3781/2021/v24i0a8923

Keywords:

Automated facial recognition, facial biometrics, Bridges, human rights violations, law enforcement, biometric data, Protection of Personal Information Act, privacy, POPI, data retention

Abstract

The use of automated facial recognition in law enforcement is still a novel practice and as a result the legislative framework for this technology is ill-defined. The judgement of The Queen (on application of Edward Bridges) v The Chief Constable of South Wales Police [2020] EWCA Civ 1058 is the first case in the world that examines pertinent legal questions pertaining to this new technology. Automatic facial recognition may be used in law enforcement, but to prevent massive human rights violations, operators should perform their duties within a well-defined legal framework where discretion is kept to the minimum, and strict data-retention policies are followed. Furthermore, human oversight should always be part of an automated facial recognition system to ensure accuracy, fairness, and compliance with the law.

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References

Bibliography

Literature

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Case law

Edward Bridges v The Chief Constable of South Wales Police [2019] EWHC 2341 (Admin)

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The Queen (on application of Edward Bridges) v The Chief Constable of South Wales Police [2020] EWCA Civ 1058

Legislation

Australia

Road Transport Legislation Amendment Act, 2015

South Africa

Births and Deaths Registration Act 51 of 1992

Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011

Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000

Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013

United Kingdom

Data Protection Act 29 of 1998

Data Protection Act 12 of 2018

Equality Act 15 of 2010

Police Act 16 of 1996

Protection of Freedoms Act 9 of 2012

International instruments

European Convention on Human Rights (1950)

Internet sources

Davies B, Dawson A and Innes M 2020 How Facial Recognition Technology Aids Police https://theconversation.com/how-facial-recognition-technology-aids-police-107730 accessed 31 August 2020

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Vumacam 2020 Vumacam https://www.vumacam.co.za/ accessed 31 August 2020

Published

30-06-2021

How to Cite

Gordon, B. (2021). Automated Facial Recognition in Law Enforcement: The Queen (On Application of Edward Bridges) v The Chief Constable of South Wales Police. Potchefstroom Electronic Law Journal, 24, 1–29. https://doi.org/10.17159/1727-3781/2021/v24i0a8923

Issue

Section

Case Notes