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This article critically examines UK biometric policymaking by charting the bodies identified by the 2018 Home Office Biometric Strategy as playing key roles in the oversight of biometric data used in law enforcement and other related functions. The article argues that oversight actors are embedded in biometric imaginaries promoted by the UK Home Office and the devolved Scottish administration. By mapping oversight of UK biometrics policy together with developments in Scotland, the article challenges sociotechnical imaginaries studies which assume the power of national governments to project dominant, cohesive and instrumental visions. The article peels away that image to reveal UK biometric policy as located within a patchwork in which embedded commissioners, regulators and advisors challenge biometric imaginaries through interpretive flexibility and standpoint. By identifying technical, operational, legislative and ethical issues, these actors challenge the UK government imaginary and act as channels of critique between it and wider stakeholder communities. The article further challenges assumptions concerning the cohesion of national imaginaries by highlighting a diverging approach to biometric governance in Scotland. The article uses these observations to sketch a means to further characterise the notion of the biometric imaginary and to address biometric policymaking more widely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focusing on the United Kingdom, this paper examines the mechanisms of 2020's 'lockdown' strategy from a governmental perspective, with 'governmentality' being defined as the art of, or rationale behind, governing populations at a given time. By investigating a series of recent imperatives given to the population by the UK government, and comparing these with the previously dominant form of governmentality (neoliberalism), I hope to shed light on some new features of the current art of government. Indeed, the paper argues that neoliberalism is no longer the dominant form of governmentality in the UK, although some important legacies remain. I therefore argue that new forms of governmentality have risen to prominence. In particular, I use the concept of 'algorithmic governmentality' to address features of lockdown subjectivity and economy, such as the 'doppelgänger logic' of consumption and production, as well as the government's attempts to continuously manage and re-manage the population based on biometric data. However, I also show that this concept does not adequately encompass contemporary realities of surveillance, exposition and coercion. As such, I introduce 'instrumentarian governmentality' to denote the use of digital surveillance instruments to control the behaviour of the population. Additionally, the term is intended to denote an 'authoritarian' turn in the ways in which people are governed. Overall, what it means to govern in 2020 is posited as a fluctuating composite of three key forms of governmentality: neoliberal, algorithmic, and instrumentarian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the privatization and innovation in the probation services in Wales and England. Topics covered include the establishment of the Community Rehabilitation Companies to oversee the concerns of many probation clients in England. Also mentioned is the introduction of biometric reporting system in 2014 to solve bureaucracy issues in London, England.

Examining the introduction of fingerprinting in British sub-Saharan Africa between 1900 and 1960, this article demonstrates how this region became an important site of experimentation in the use of biometric methods for maintaining a racial hierarchy. Focusing on British Kenya, the article shows that many Africans experienced race-based fingerprinting as a threat to their personal honor and dignity. African opposition to this practice caused political conflict not only in Kenya, but also in the British metropole, and was a significant factor behind the emergence of the Kenyan nationalist movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

“IC1 male. Jeans. Red hooded top. Blue cap. Last seen running towards…” Seriously? In 2018 first responders should not still be working from vague at best two-way radio descriptions: law enforcement can do so much better than that. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cash-and-valuables-in-transit ( CViT) robberies have become a substantial problem-especially in the current global economy. Over £19.4 million were stolen in 2008 and £17.1 million in 2009 in the United Kingdom alone. The transportation of cash and valuable items between financial institutions has long been a target of robberies in the U.K. After a robbery has occurred, police collect evidence in the form of ink-stained currency. These stained notes are submitted for analysis. Samples are subjected to polymerase chain reaction in order to amplify any possible botanically derived DNA markers present on the notes. After amplification, capillary electrophoresis allows for the deciphering of the ' DNA profile.' The DNA profile is then linked to a particular cash box, and this information is compared with records of whether or not that box had been stolen. The cases below are three such instances where botanically marked currency was used to help solve robberies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The move from IP-based authentication to that of federated access has seen the sector support single sign-on to web-based resources, but the simplified user experience is at risk due to the rapid growth of mobile platforms and increasing variety of accompanying access methods for such devices. The user authentication experience on mobile devices is often further complicated by the poor discovery and delivery design of websites. While the introduction of tools such as Raptor permit accurate tracking of usage statistics via the UK Access Management Federation, the variety of mobile authentication methods such as native apps on devices and device paring pose additional challenges to librarians trying to gather a complete picture of resource use within their institution. In this article we examine the access challenges posed by the explosion of mobile device use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article considers the issue of citizenship in light of the recent developments in biometric identification techniques. It aims to answer the question as to what kind of citizenship is the ‘biometric citizenship’. Drawing on several empirical examples including the Iris Recognition Immigration System scheme, identity cards and current citizenship reform plans in the UK, I argue that biometric citizenship is at once a ‘neoliberal citizenship’ and a ‘biological citizenship’. The neoliberal aspect of biometric citizenship is demonstrated through the rearrangement of the experience of border crossing in terms of the neoliberal ethos of choice, freedom, active entrepreneurialism and transnational expedited mobility. At the same time, these are enacted alongside the exclusionary and violent measures directed at those who are considered as risky categories illustrating the constitutive relationship between the ‘biometric citizen’ and its ‘other’. As regards its biological aspect, biometric citizenship is embedded within rationalities and practices that deploy the body not only as a means of identification but also as a way of sorting through different forms of life according to their degree of utility and legitimacy in relation to market economy. This aspect also carries a racial and national dimension exemplified in both the national identity card scheme and the very technical infrastructure of biometric technology. Overall, what these two features have in common is the reduction of the principle of citizenship to processes of identity management and technical procedures without, however, purging it altogether from its all too familiar national and race-based components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 27 May 2010, the newly formed UK Coalition government announced the cancellation of national identity cards for UK citizens. Yet, foreign nationals remain subject to a separate biometric identity card scheme—renamed ‘Biometric Residence Permits' (BRPs)—currently being rolled out to various categories of migrant. To date, over 300,000 such cards have been issued to various foreign-national groups, including international students, visiting scholars, entrepreneurs, investors and domestic workers. Although research has been conducted on UK immigration policy, there has been little investigation into how foreign nationals view, experience and negotiate BRPs. In this paper, we draw on our own empirical work to examine the impact of BRPs on migrants. From March to December 2010, interviews and participative research were conducted with the Home Office, the UK Border Agency, advocacy and civil society groups, Higher Education Institutions and individual migrants. We consider the extent to which this scheme acts as a means of exercising surveillance and control over foreign nationals, and the ability of these migrants to negotiate around such constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The identity card for foreign nationals -- now known as the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) -- was first introduced in November 2008. Following the May 2010 UK general election, the newly formed Conservative-Liberal Democrat Coalition government announced that the scheme would not be extended to UK citizens. To date, over 300,000 BRPs have been issued to UK foreign nationals -- a group of non-EEA migrants that include international students, visiting scholars and entrepreneurs. In this paper, we draw on findings from interviews conducted with policymakers, advocacy groups, Higher Education administrators and foreign nationals -- between March and December 2010 -- to highlight some policy issues arising from the continued roll-out of the BRPs to this migrant group. We conclude by arguing that, although interviewees raised few objections to the BRPs in principle, cardholders were concerned about being unfairly 'targeted' for additional surveillance and remained unclear about the true purpose of the BRP. We identify a number of areas for further policy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article critically examines the draft consultation paper issued by the Scottish Government to local authorities on the use of biometric technologies in schools in September 2008 (see http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/09/081 35019/0). Coming at a time when a number of schools are considering using biometric systems to register and confirm the identity of pupils in a number of settings (cashless catering systems, automated registration of pupils' arrival in school and school library automation), this guidance is undoubtedly welcome. The present focus seems to be on using fingerprints, but as the guidance acknowledges, the debate in future may encompass iris prints, voice prints and facial recognition systems, which are already in use in non-educational settings. The article notes broader developments in school surveillance in Scotland and in the rest of the UK and argues that serious attention must be given to the educational considerations which arise. Schools must prepare pupils for life in the newly emergent `surveillance society', not by uncritically habituating them to the surveillance systems installed in their schools, but by critically engaging them in thought about the way surveillance technologies work in the wider world, the various rationales given to them, and the implications - in terms of privacy, safety and inclusion - of being a 'surveilled subject'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the national ID card being rolled out to the first British workers this year, Wendy Grossman looks at the privacy and security concerns behind the initiative, and finds that an unexpected trade-off is being made [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article focuses on the proposal for biometric identity cards which is made strong by the proposed National Identity Scheme in Great Britain. It notes that the proposal is based from the insights in science and technology studies (STS) especially the argument on the "Politics of Nature," by Latour which examines the parliamentary debates on the technological and scientific aspects of the proposal. It also provides an analysis of the government's attempts to short-circuit Latour's argument, and the introduction of perplexities and demonstrate the extent from which STS could enhance political debate about technological situations.

The article looks at issues arising from the widespread deployment of biometric identification systems at schools in Great Britain. It has been suggested that this practice is an indicator of the developing surveillance society in Great Britain. The term "kiddyprinting" refers to one of the measures aimed at monitoring children in Great Britain. Micro Librarian Systems' Junior Librarian is one of the systems developed that uses fingerprint scanners in place of library cards to check books in and out. However, in China, the practice of fingerprinting in schools has been banned due to its intrusive nature and is considered an infringement of children's rights.

This article considers the linking of the identity of the person to an identity card, in particular, how biometric measurements can help to link the holder of the card to the information stored on the card. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper examines the legal nature of identity and identification in the context of transactions, considering recent developments in the United Kingdom and Australia. Identity and identification have not previously been analysed in this context, from a legal perspective. The composition and legal function of identity are considered, having regard to legislative changes in both countries. In particular, the concept of identity under the United Kingdom Identity Cards Act 2005 c 15 (UK) is compared to the concept of identity developing under Australian legislation. The distinction between that concept of identity and identification of an individual is considered and the legal nature and role of identity for transactional purposes is analysed. Overall, the paper challenges the assumption that the United Kingdom and Australian legislation are merely establishing an evidentiary standard for identification of individuals for transactional purposes, and asserts that identity is emerging as a distinct, new legal concept. A framework is presented for conceptualising identity in this context from a legal perspective, and the major ramifications of the new concept are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ECHR rules indefinite retention of forensic biometrics is disproportionate. • Forensic biometrics retention should consider the gravity of offence and necessity. • Available evidence suggests the ECHR ruling may be acceptable to the public. • Representative public survey and empirical evidence needed to reform current law. This commentary provides a response to the European Court of Human Rights ruling in the case of Gaughran vs the United Kingdom on 13 February 2020. The Court ruled that the indefinite retention of DNA, fingerprints and facial images from all convicted adults was disproportionate. Using data from a survey on public attitudes, we examine the public acceptability of the police retention of forensic biometrics from the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the wake of 9/11, the UK Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 was rushed through Parliament, giving the government sweeping powers to imprison foreign nationals without charge. Even though the House of Lords has now ruled this practice to be both discriminatory and disproportionate, we still have a system of control orders which effectively allow internment by means of 24h house arrest. Identity cards are on the way, and we will soon see biometric chips appearing in passports. In this context, the advent of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) is a welcome counterweight to a trend which seems increasingly to be tipping the scales in favour of the state. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Focuses on the plan of the British government to introduce a biometric-based national identity card. Cost of the project; Challenges in the integration process that need to be addressed; Reason of the government for adopting biometric identification cards. INSET: GETTING A GRIP ON BIOMETRICS.

Focuses on the National Union of Teachers' professional development program which deals with the integration of primary science and citizenship in schools in Great Britain. Socio-scientific issues developed using scientific explanations and data from biomedicine; Results of a debate on the use of identification cards containing biometric data; Significance of the program in curriculum plans to schools.

Focuses on the plans of the government of Great Britain for a biometrically-based national identity (ID) card scheme. Plan to implement a biometric-enabled passport system and to build a biometric database; Plan of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to require facial biometrics in the proposed biometrically-enabled passports; Errors and uncertainties in biometric methods; Problems concerning the practicality of the idea of a biometrically-based national card. INSET: BIOMETRIC MAN.

The introduction of electronic signatures into the national law of each country and the consequential legal impact on businesses is an issue of immense importance and cannot be ignored. This article aims to look at the background of electronic signatures and the advantages of such signatures compared with manuscript signatures. The use of cryptography to create electronic signatures is examined together with the security and trust offered by the use of digital certificates and PKI. The article then analyses the different types of electronic signatures available in the market and, in particular, looks at biometric applications that seem to be back on the agenda as a result of the recent terrorist attacks. Different types of biometric technologies are examined together with privacy concerns on the use of such applications. The article then briefly looks at two other emerging types of signatures, namely steganography and quantum cryptography. Finally, some of the regulations governing electronic signatures in Europe (including the distinction between electronic signatures and advanced electronic signatures) are examined with particular reference to the laws enacted in the UK to deal with some of these issues. Trust and security are now, more than ever, critical issues in doing business, whether online or in the paper world. Thus, the increase in global legislation on areas such as data protection, electronic signatures, information security and the control of encryption technology coupled with the risks of cyber-crime make it a good time to analyse all these key areas now. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to the articles discussing topics which include role of academia and industry in tackling the Great Britain's shortage of technical skills, biometric measures for additional security, and technological innovations.

The end of the Cold War and the resulting American drawdown of forces in Europe only seemed to confirm the need for a European Security and Defence Identity (ESDI) distinct from NATO. Differences over the scope and nature of the European pillar quickly derailed significant progress towards ESDI as some states, such as Great Britain or the Netherlands, insisted on the retention of NATO as the foundation of any European-wide security structure while other states, mainly France, insisted on a Euro- centric security system. This essay examines the rise of new security concerns and risks, and the perceived inability of the existing institutions in the early 1990s to deal with these new threats. The policies and priorities of the major powers involved in the security of the region are analyzed against the backdrop of these new risks. The impact of these security issues and national interests are assessed on the reforms and adaptations undertaken since 1990, and the new structures and institutional arrangements that emerged from such reforms and adaptations are evaluated in the context of their ability to meet the new requirements of European security. Despite considerable debate, NATO emerged as the institution best suited to deal with the new security threats to Europe and to serve the national interests of the major West European powers, even to the point of fostering the development of an autonomous European defence indentity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pressure on costs in the healthcare sector has never been greater. In the UK the ongoing planned reforms are seeking to save the NHS tens of billions of pounds each year, whilst in the US the insurance-driven aspect of healthcare there means that both direct and indirect patient care costs are always under scrutiny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientists from the University of the West of England and University of Bath have claimed that scanning noses could be a quicker and easier way to verify a person''s identity, than iris and fingerprint scans. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The UK's NatWest bank is working with Visa on a project to use behavioural biometrics to authenticate customers. The checks will analyse how each customer interacts with their device when making an online purchase – and NatWest will use this data instead of passwords to confirm the cardholder's identity, to make transactions more secure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new study has ranked 50 countries on how extensively and invasively they use biometric surveillance, and in contrast who best regulates the technology. China is named the poorest performer of all, but perhaps surprisingly it is joined by the US in the five worst countries – while the UK is ranked among the top five best-regulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

UK adults are far more comfortable using biometric technology to access their online banking than their social media accounts – twice as many, 64% compared with 32%, according to an Experian survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The UK Government has published its long-awaited Biometrics Strategy, which confirms it will press ahead with its HOB (Home Office Biometrics) plan to build a single, all-encompassing database of fingerprint, facial recognition and DNA data to be used by the UK's police, security, intelligence, border and migrant control agencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The UK's rail network may use biometric technology to charge passengers for journeys, according to the latest railway Capability Delivery Plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]