As organisations increasingly adopt biometric technologies for identity verification, access control, and workplace monitoring, ensuring compliance with data protection law is critical. This practical course provides clear, real-world guidance on how to benefit from the advantages of biometric technologies while managing regulatory, operational, and reputational risk.
Drawing on the latest requirements under the UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, this course features real enforcement cases and practical scenarios. The course content includes:
- What types of information constitutes biometric data, including facial images, fingerprints, gait, retina scans, hand geometry and voice patterns
- Understanding when biometric data constitutes special category data and the implications
- Practical steps for using biometric technologies fairly, lawfully, and transparently
- Key learnings from ICO enforcement action, including the Clearview AI and Serco cases
- How biometric technologies can be used lawfully in conjunction with Automated Decision-Making (ADM)
- Managing processing risks including bias, discrimination, inaccurate outcomes, and challenges to decision-making
- How to respond to rights requests involving biometric data, including ADM
- Selecting and managing third-party biometric solution providers
- Conducting appropriate Data Protection Impact Assessments and embedding Privacy by Design principles from the outset
- The latest regulatory expectations, including new ICO guidance and developments in workplace monitoring
Delegates are provided with practical tools, actionable compliance measures, and an in-depth understanding of how to implement biometric technologies with confidence while maintaining trust and meeting regulatory expectations.
It is recommended that delegates attending this session have a solid basic knowledge of current data protection legal requirements. Delegates with no existing knowledge may find it helpful to attend Data Protection Essential Knowledge – Level 1 before undertaking this training course.