Yesterday, the Scottish Government launched its Programme for Government [pdf] (the Scottish Government’s equivalent to the Queen’s Speech) for the coming Parliamentary year. There are three proposed Bills, which the Scottish Government plans to introduce in the coming year, that have a data protection and privacy angle to them. Those bills are: the Biometric Data Bill, the Disclosure Bill and the Census (Amendment) Bill.
Biometric Data Bill
This Bill will be designed to take forward the recommendations of the Independent Advisory Group on the use of Biometric Data which was chaired by John Scott QC. The Programme for Government document says of the Bill that it:
will enhance oversight of biometric data and techniques used for the purposes of justice and community safety. It will include provision for the creation of a statutory code of practice covering the acquisition, use, retention and disposal of data including fingerprints, DNA and facial images. We will ensure an appropriately distinct and proportionate approach to capturing biometric data for children aged between 12 and 17.
Disclosure Bill
The Disclosure Bill will relate to the disclosure of criminal history data under the Disclosure Scotland schemes. The Bill will aim to “simplify the system and strike the right balance between strengthened safeguarding and helping people with convictions to get back into work.”
Census (Amendment) Bill
The Census (Amendment) Bill will be designed to bring changes which will permit the National Records of Scotland to ask questions on sexual orientation and transgender status beginning in the 2021 census. The questions will be voluntary.
There is no much in the way of detail in the full programme for government document, but it seems fairly clear that these three Bills will crossover into the world of data protection and privacy. Once the Bill’s are published we may have a better idea as to the nature of the data protection and privacy aspects to them.
If you would like advice on a data protection or privacy matter than contact Alistair on 0141 229 0880 or you can E-mail him directly. You can also follow our twitter account dedicated to the field of Information law.