UK Names Prof. William Webster as New Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Co

Published Date : 11/4/2025 

The UK has appointed Professor William Webster as the new Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner (BSCC), ending a year-long vacancy in the role. Webster, an expert in public policy and surveillance, will focus on overseeing biometric material retention and adherence to the Home Secretary’s Surveillance Camera Code of Practice. 

The UK has finally appointed a permanent Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner (BSCC) after more than a year of vacancy. The new appointee, Professor William Webster from the University of Stirling, brings extensive expertise in public policy and surveillance technologies.

Webster is a Professor of Public Policy and Management at the University of Stirling Business School. He has previously worked with the BSCC’s office as the founder and director of the Centre for Research into Information Surveillance and Privacy (CRISP). In this capacity, Webster co-authored a report warning of the potential oversight gaps that would have resulted from the elimination of the BSCC role with the passage of the Data Protection and Digital Information (DPDI) Bill.

The DPDI Bill was intended to transfer some regulatory responsibilities from the BSCC to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and left others in limbo. However, the bill was abandoned as the 2024 election approached. By then, the last permanent appointee, Fraser Sampson, had already stepped down. He was temporarily replaced by Tony Eastaugh, who also stepped down in August 2024. Francesca Whitelaw KC took over the Biometrics Commissioner role on July 1 of this year, but the Security Camera Commissioner role remained vacant.

Webster’s research and expertise cover governance structures, public policy, and technologies such as surveillance cameras, drones, body-worn cameras, and DNA. His appointment was announced by the University of Stirling, where the Dean of the Stirling Business School, Professor Kevin Grant, praised Webster’s “unrivalled and world-renowned expertise in biometrics, surveillance, privacy, and national security.”

In his new role, Webster will focus on overseeing police applications to retain biometric material and ensuring adherence to the Home Secretary’s Surveillance Camera Code of Practice. He officially took up the position on November 1.

Developments in new technology, particularly in biometrics and artificial intelligence, mean that the BSCC office will play an increasingly important role in safeguarding citizens’ rights while contributing to the safety and security of the UK. Webster’s expertise and experience make him well-suited to navigate the complex landscape of biometric and surveillance technologies, ensuring that they are used responsibly and ethically. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: Who is the new Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner?

A: The new Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner is Professor William Webster from the University of Stirling.

Q: What is the role of the Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner (BSCC)?

A: The BSCC oversees the use of biometric data and surveillance cameras, ensuring that they are used responsibly and in accordance with the Home Secretary’s Surveillance Camera Code of Practice.

Q: Why was the position vacant for over a year?

A: The position was vacant due to the passage of the Data Protection and Digital Information (DPDI) Bill, which was abandoned in the runup to the 2024 election, and the subsequent departures of previous appointees.

Q: What is Professor Webster's background?

A: Professor Webster is a Professor of Public Policy and Management at the University of Stirling Business School and the founder and director of the Centre for Research into Information Surveillance and Privacy (CRISP).

Q: What are the key areas of focus for Professor Webster in his new role?

A: Professor Webster will focus on overseeing police applications to retain biometric material and ensuring adherence to the Home Secretary’s Surveillance Camera Code of Practice. 

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