Tony Eastaugh appointed Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner

The Home Secretary has appointed Tony Eastaugh as the new Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner, in accordance with the Governance Code for Public Appointments.

The Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner roles were established by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 which set out the rules on police use and retention of DNA and fingerprints, and to promote appropriate overt use of surveillance camera systems by relevant authorities in England and Wales.

The Data Protection and Digital Information Bill currently before Parliament will simplify oversight by abolishing the roles and transferring the biometrics casework functions to the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office.