ICE, a US-based technology firm, has announced a $25 million deal to develop and deploy biometric scanners across the UK. The deal, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, will see the company install the scanners in various locations, including public spaces and private organisations. The scanners will use eye-tracking technology to monitor individuals, raising concerns about surveillance and data protection in the UK.
The biometric scanners will be capable of tracking a person's eye movements, creating a detailed profile of their behaviour and interests. This data will be used to understand consumer trends and behaviour, with the potential to influence marketing and advertising strategies. However, critics argue that the use of biometric technology raises significant concerns about privacy and data protection.
Dr. Rachel Kim, a leading expert in data protection, commented, 'The use of biometric technology in public spaces raises serious concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and the potential for mass surveillance.' She added, 'The UK's data protection laws, including the EU's AI Act, need to be revisited to ensure that biometric technology is used in a way that respects individuals' rights.'
ICE has stated that the biometric scanners will be used for commercial purposes only, and that the data collected will be anonymised and used to create aggregate trends. However, the company has not ruled out the possibility of using the data for other purposes in the future.
The deal raises questions about the regulation of biometric technology in the UK. The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has stated that it will be monitoring the use of biometric technology closely, and that any organisation using the technology must comply with the UK's data protection laws.