The Privacy, Identity & Consent Blog

A little while ago, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) renewed the debate about building a compulsory DNA database for all UK citizens. The Home Office has rejected this idea, and two individuals are challenging the existing of the UK DNA database at the European Court of Human Rights. What's all the fuss about?

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has just published the government's new Delivery Plan for the National Identity Scheme, and HM Treasury has released the long awaited Crosby report. Here's a summary of the key points at a packed press conference.

A new bill introduced in the state of Washington has outlawed the use of RFID technologies for malicious purposes. Anyone caught scanning a person remotely "without his or her knowledge and consent, for the purpose of fraud, identity theft, or some other illegal purpose" will be charged with a felony. What the bill omits is any concept of an 'opt-in', so it's still fine for companies to affix and read tags without the subject's knowledge.

I'm at a complete loss to understand what the benefit of that legislation might be. Maybe David can shed some light on it?

BAA has confirmed that London Heathrow's Terminal 5 will not be using fingerprint biometric controls when it opens, due to concerns raised by Privacy International and the Information Commissioner.