Automated Facial Recognition Technology (Moratorium and Review) Bill [HL]

A Bill to prohibit the use of automated facial recognition technology in public places and to provide for a review of its use

Originating House

House of Lords

Last Updated

5 May 2021

In Plain English

AI-generated

This bill would prohibit the use of automated facial recognition technology in public places and require a formal review of how it has been used. It aims to pause deployments for now and examine privacy and safety concerns before deciding on future use.

Key Points

Prohibits the use of automated facial recognition technology in public places.
Imposes a moratorium on new deployments during the review period.
Requires a formal review of how facial recognition has been used, with findings reported to Parliament.
Affects both public bodies and private organisations that operate or deploy AFRT in public spaces.

Progress

The bill is currently at the second reading stage in the Lords and has not yet moved to committee or further stages.

Who is affected?

Members of the public in public spacesPublic authorities and private organisations that deploy AFRT in public spacesAFRT technology developers and vendorsCivil liberties, privacy and human rights organisationsResearchers and policymakers involved in technology, privacy and security

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Automated Facial Recognition Technology (Moratorium and Review)

1 Jan 1970

First reading took place on 4 February. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill's journey through the Lords.

Second reading - the general debate on all aspects of the Bill - is yet to be scheduled.

The 2019-2021 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.

Documents (1)

HL Bill 87 (as introduced)

BillLords

4 Feb 2020

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

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