ICO publishes new AI and biometrics strategy

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has published its strategy for artificial intelligence (AI) and biometrics, which aims to support the lawful development and deployment of such technologies to foster innovation while safeguarding public trust. As part of the strategy, the ICO will audit police forces and produce guidance on the lawful, fair and proportionate use of facial recognition technology (FRT). 

Accompanying the strategy, new research on automated decision-making (ADM) and biometrics reveals strong public demand for transparency concerning the impact of AI technologies. The studies show that public concerns are high regarding potential inaccuracies with FRT or flawed automated decisions affecting employment, with 54% of those surveyed worried that the police use of FRT infringes on privacy.

In a speech delivered at the ICO Parliamentary event with AI APPG, Information Commissioner John Edwards unveiled the strategy, highlighting that public trust, grounded in responsible personal data use, is essential for driving the AI revolution. Edwards stressed that while technology has advanced significantly over the past forty years, the fundamental principles of data protection remain unchanged. Trust is established through accountability, and it is not the new technology itself that poses a threat but rather its irresponsible use.