The use of and reliance upon automated facial recognition (AFR) for intelligence-gathering purposes and the prevention and detection of crime by law enforcement agencies, as well as its use as border and immigration control has not been without controversy and continues to raise legal, ethical and civil liberty concerns. The use of biometric data as part of border control measures has been set out in various UNSCRs; however, they do not set out the workings of such systems in any detail, but underscore the need for States to be mindful of the relevant human rights framework, privacy and data protection issues.

Martin Polaine has been engaged by UNODC GMCP to develop a Guidance Note and Best Practices Guide for the Brunei authorities that address the legal and human rights issues on the use of automated facial recognition (AFR). This will be followed by a virtual workshop for law enforcement officials.