Meetings

NDM8131 Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv) - Biometric data in schools

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Meeting: 08/03/2023 - Plenary (Item 5)

Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv) - Biometric data in schools

NDM8131 Sarah Murphy (Bridgend)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes that the prevalent collection and use of biometric data within schools across Wales is putting children’s personal data and privacy at risk.

2. Calls on the Welsh Government to introduce legislation that would: 

a) ensure that Article 16 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, a child's right to privacy, is upheld within Wales; 

b) ensure that schools and childcare settings are using non-biometric technologies for services, rather than using biometric systems that may compromise the security of children's biometric data; 

c) ensure appropriate risk assessments and procurement processes of technology companies within educational settings are put in place; 

d) acknowledge the potential harms from the unregulated use of biometric data; 

e) acknowledge the lack of consent by young people and children within current usages of biometric data within schools. 

Co-submitters

Jane Dodds (Mid and West Wales)

Supporters

Carolyn Thomas (North Wales)

Jack Sargeant (Alyn and Deeside)

Minutes:

The item started at 15.17

Voting on the motion under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

NDM8131 Sarah Murphy (Bridgend)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes that the prevalent collection and use of biometric data within schools across Wales is putting children’s personal data and privacy at risk.

2. Calls on the Welsh Government to introduce legislation that would: 

a) ensure that Article 16 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, a child's right to privacy, is upheld within Wales; 

b) ensure that schools and childcare settings are using non-biometric technologies for services, rather than using biometric systems that may compromise the security of children's biometric data; 

c) ensure appropriate risk assessments and procurement processes of technology companies within educational settings are put in place; 

d) acknowledge the potential harms from the unregulated use of biometric data; 

e) acknowledge the lack of consent by young people and children within current usages of biometric data within schools. 

Co-submitters

Jane Dodds (Mid and West Wales)

Supporters

Carolyn Thomas (North Wales)

Jack Sargeant (Alyn and Deeside)

The result was as follows:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

38

14

1

53

The motion was agreed.