Section 12: Meaning of “biometric information”
71.This section amends section 15 of the 2007 Act to define biometric information for the purposes of that provision as information about a person’s external physical characteristics, such as fingerprints and features of a person’s eye. Where the meaning of biometric information is to encompass information beyond external features, the Secretary of State is to specify the physical characteristics in an order. However, it cannot include information about a person’s DNA. The order is subject to the affirmative resolution procedure.
72.Subsection (4) gives effect to Schedule 2 (meaning of biometric information), which makes corresponding amendments to other enactments providing for powers to require the provision of biometric information.