Image source, bbc

That's all from Holyrood Live on Thursday 9 January 2020.

The Scottish government is to miss its target to deliver superfast broadband across all premises in Scotland by 2021.

Connectivity Minister Paul Wheelhouse said around half of the premises in south and central Scotland under its R100 programme would be connected by that time.

A voucher scheme will be put in place to help homes and offices that are not connected by 2021 to access commercial broadband services.

Although broadband is reserved to Westminster, the SNP had pledged to deliver superfast broadband to 100% of premises by 2021.

Mr Wheelhouse said it was disappointing he was not to be able to announce details of the contract for the north lot due to a dispute over the awarding of the contract, but he added people there can access the voucher scheme.

Image source, Getty Images

MSPs unanimously back the general principles of the Scottish Biometrics Commissioner Bill, external.

The Scottish Biometrics Commissioner Bill, external seeks to improve independent oversight for the collection, retention, use and disposal of biometric data.

According to SPICe, external, oversight will comprise of:

• the Commissioner reviewing law, policy and practice in relation to biometric data
• promoting public awareness of the powers and duties of police bodies as regards biometric data

• preparing and promoting the use of a Code of Practice.

Scottish Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur says his party strongly supports the principles of this bill, though he does not believe it goes far enough yet.

He says there is a balance to be struck between public safety and citizens' privacy.

We are already seeing public concern about live facial recognition technologies and we must be wary of what can amount to indiscriminate mass surveillance, he warns.

The MSP expresses disappointment the government has rejected calls to include details of the code of practice on the face of the bill, instead leaving it for the commissioner to consult on.

There is more work to be done on the bill to ensure it fulfills the formidable task required of it, he concludes.

Green MSP John Finnie says the Justice Committee asked how the lack of debate around the transparency of biometrics could be addressed.

It would be inappropriate to leave this just solely to the biometrics commissioner, argues Mr Finnie.

He says the ethical advisory group should continue when this bill becomes an Act and that should be on the face of the bill.

"We do need a very robust oversight."

The former senior policeman says it is vital the Scottish Parliament protects the rights of citizens.

He tells the chamber we know that not all data held by Police Scotland is legitimately held.

The Green MSP points out the bill currently does not address public bodies outwith Police Scotland.

Image source, LEX VAN LIESHOUT

The storage of personal information such as DNA, fingerprints and facial images is to be controlled under the Scottish Biometrics Commissioner Bill, external.

It wants an independent commissioner to be appointed to improve the way biometric data is handled by police.

Ministers said this would ensure investigations were carried out in a lawful and ethical way.

The move follows an independent group's report on the need to balance public safety with individual rights.

Read more.

The Labour MSP says he is not persuaded the term 'have regard to' is strong enough to ensure people comply.

He calls for a change to ensure organisations are legally compliant.

The code of practice and commissioner also needs to be able to take account of future changes in technology, he adds.

Mr Kelly says there are some issue with the scope, powers and access of the commissioner but he hopes amendments will strengthen the bill.

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Labour MSP James Kelly says his party too will support the general principles of this bill.

Mr Kelly says this is important legislation due the central role of biometrics in policing and criminal justice.

He adds it is absolutely essential that a biometrics commissioner is established.

The Labour MSP argues the scope of the bill is currently limited to Police Scotland and the SPA, however he welcomes the minister pledging to extend this at Stage 2.

Mr Kerr insists there is a public need and public good to regulate biometrics and ensure transparency.

He questions how the commissioner will interact with private companies who make use of such data, expressing concerns public confidence could be undermined if powers are considered insufficient.

The absence of a complaint mechanism is "regrettable" he says.

The Tory MSP expresses concern about the failure to provide information to the commissioner being a contempt of court, suggesting such a measure would be "draconian".

A new code of practice is to be drafted on the retention of DNA, fingerprints and images by Police Scotland.

An Independent Advisory Group on Biometric Data has recommended a series of changes to how such data is used.

The group, chaired by John Scott QC, called for the appointment of an independent Scottish Biometrics Commissioner to monitor compliance.

The code will also examine the acquisition, use and disposal of biometric data.

Read more.

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Tory MSP Liam Kerr says his party will vote to back the general principles of the Scottish Biometrics Commissioner Bill, external at decision time.

"The principles of the bill are sound."

He stresses the importance of proper resourcing to allow the commissioner to operate effectively.

The Tory MSP points out this is a rapidly developing environment and highlights concerns about funding levels.

He expresses concerns about the justice secretary not giving a cast iron commitment to providing adequate funding.

Ms Mitchell says there is a need to ensure the bill covers all those who collect biometric data and she welcomes the cabinet secretary's recognition of this point.

The Justice Committee also recommended the 'have regard to' approach should be reviewed in light of experience, with the commissioner to take a view on its effectiveness, she tells the chamber.

She says another key concern is the lack of a complaint mechanism in the bill, arguing it is important people have a route to complain if biometric data is taken or used without their consent.

The justice secretary says people can go to the information commissioner to raise such concerns.

Ms Mitchell hopes the minister will reconsider this stance at Stage 2 and 3.

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Justice Committee convener Margaret Mitchell says the last 25 years has seen a digital revolution which impacts on how the police investigate crime.

Ms Mitchell says this bill will create a biometrics commissioner and a statutory code of practice for biometric data collection and use.

She says the promotion and protection of human rights, privacy, public confidence and community safety are crucial.

So it is disappointing the government's response does not support the specific inclusion of these principles in the bill.

She stresses the importance of public trust and confidence in the use of biometrics.

Mr Yousaf confirms amendments will be brought forward at Stage 2 to ensure the Police Investigations & Review Commission (Pirc) is also covered by the bill.

The code of practice will be subject to consultation and require the approval of the Scottish Parliament, he highlights.

The commissioner will have the power to require police bodies to provide information and respond publicly to recommendations, the justice secretary states.

He says a lack of regard to the code or failure to respond to the commissioner could have far-reaching consequences.

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Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf welcomes backing from the Justice Committee for the establishment of a biometrics commissioner.

Read the Justice Committee's Stage One report here., external

Public confidence requires fundamental rights are respected and the new commissioner will ensure the approach to biometrics is lawful and ethical, adds Mr Yousaf.

This bill, the commissioner and the code of practice will help provide assurances.

The Scottish Biometrics Commissioner Bill, external seeks to improve independent oversight for the collection, retention, use and disposal of biometric data.

According to SPICe, external, "oversight will comprise of:

• the Commissioner reviewing law, policy and practice in relation to biometric data
• promoting public awareness of the powers and duties of police bodies as regards biometric data

• preparing and promoting the use of a Code of Practice."

Image source, LEX VAN LIESHOUT

The storage of personal information such as DNA, fingerprints and facial images is to be controlled under a bill before the Scottish Parliament., external

It wants an independent commissioner to be appointed to improve the way biometric data is handled by police.

Ministers said this would ensure investigations were carried out in a lawful and ethical way.

The move follows an independent group's report on the need to balance public safety with individual rights.

Read more.