FINGERPRINTING IN KENT SCHOOLS
January 11, 2007 10:52 AM
No Published Guidance On The Use Of Biometric Systems
At last month's County Council meeting, Margaret Featherstone, Liberal Democrat County Councillor for Maidstone North East, received a written response from the Cabinet Member for Education and School Improvement to her question regarding the policy, advice and guidance given to schools using fingerprint systems in school libraries and canteens.
On reading the response Margaret said: "Parents may be surprised to know that the DfES and KCC have, as yet, not published any specific guidance on the use of biometric systems, even though four schools in Kent (Hillview School, Maplesden Noakes School, St Philip Howard RC Primary School, and Swan Valley Community School) currently use some form of fingerprint recognition software in their libraries or canteens."
The written response states the decision to use fingerprint recognition software rests with the school's governing body. Children's rights in relation to the use of fingerprint recognition software are safeguarded by the Data Protection Act (DPA), the Education Act 2002 and the Human Rights Act 1998. Ensuring the schools properly apply the DPA is the responsibility of the Information Commissioner's Office. The ICO is in the process of drawing up specific guidance on the use of fingerprints for purposes other than law-enforcement. The guidance will consider how fingerprint recognition software is applied: whether it is reasonable and proportionate.
Margaret stated: "I was assured that the fingerprint software is never recorded and it is this special encrypted numerical code, not the print that is stored in the database. Nevertheless, it is crucial that KCC have clear guidance in place to ensure fingerprint software is applied appropriately with the proper safeguards regarding individual children's rights and biometric security." Margaret continued: "I think it is vital that KCC should be advising schools that parents need to be properly consulted and informed BEFORE schools make a decision on fingerprinting technology introduction.". Margaret concluded: "KCC were not forthcoming about when any guidance may be published."
The full question asked and the answer received are available on the ' County Council Questions' page of this website.