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This course explores the regulation of biometric data and profiling in the European Union and the United Kingdom, examining how the law seeks to balance technological innovation with the regulation and protection of fundamental rights. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the regulation of biometrics and profiling, with a particular focus on the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, and the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. The course will then examine some of the most common and innovative uses of these technologies and their ethical, social, and human rights implications, encouraging students to develop innovative legal approaches to address the challenges of the evolving digital landscape.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | Second Term | Credit Points | 30 credits (15 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
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One or more of these courses have a limited number of places. Priority access will be given to students for whom this course is compulsory. Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for more details on this process.
Biometric technologies and profiling are transforming the way we live, work, and interact. From facial recognition and digital identity verification to personalised online services, these technologies offer significant benefits. At the same time, they raise complex legal and ethical questions relating to privacy, surveillance, identity, and algorithmic discrimination. As individuals increasingly share biometric data through smartphones, social media, and public spaces, understanding how this data is regulated has become more important than ever.
This course examines the development of biometric technologies alongside the evolution of the legal frameworks that govern them. Students will explore the role of law in protecting individuals while supporting technological innovation, considering both the opportunities and the risks presented by biometric systems and profiling.
The course begins with an in-depth study of biometrics and profiling under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, and the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. Throughout the course, students will engage with current legal and policy debates surrounding emerging technologies and their regulation, focusing on the most common and innovative uses of these technologies and their ethical, social, and human rights implications.
Topics typically include:
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback | Word Count | 3000 | ||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback | Word Count | 3000 | ||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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There are no assessments for this course.
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | To develop a critical understanding of how regulators, legislators, and national courts approach the notion and regulation of biometric data and the enforcement of the respective rights and freedoms |
| Reflection | Create | To communicate orally and in writing information, advice and choices in an effective manner. |
| Conceptual | Analyse | To develop a critical understanding of the approach of the European Court for Human Rights to the enforcement of the right to privacy. |
| Conceptual | Understand | To gain knowledge and understanding of the regulation of all special categories of personal data, with emphasis on biometric data. |
| Conceptual | Evaluate | To analyse and evaluate the role of the legislators, regulators and courts in the exercise of the regulation of biometric data and the relation to the social and practical implications of the tech. |
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