United Kingdom Ethics Tender

The remit of the Biometrics and Forensics Ethics Group has been expanded to provide independent review of the use of large data sets by the department.The Biometrics and Forensics Ethics Group BFEG a non-departmental public body will now be asked to consider ethical issues relating to large and complex data sets. The BFEG will provide independent oversight of the Data Ethics Governance Framework which was established to ensure balanced consideration of the use of data within the Home Office.The move is aimed at strengthening the publics assurance on the use of data within the department.Chris Hughes OBE Chair of the BFEG saidWith ever increasing volumes of data and the implementation of new data protection legislation its more appropriate than ever to expand the BFEG remit to consider large and complex data sets.The expansion will build on the committees existing work and will work to ensure that the use of an individuals personal data is legitimate and proportionate contributing to justified trust in the Home Office.The BFEG will continue to consider the ethical aspects ofthe application and operation of technologies which produce biometric and forensic data and identifiersethical issues relating to scientific services provided to the police service and other public bodies within the criminal justice systemapplications for research involving access to biometric or forensic data andmatters relating to the management operation and use of biometric or forensic data.