People facing deportation have been told they must scan their fingerprints several times a day using devices installed with GPS technology under plans from the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice.
Those required to carry one of the handheld devices will be subject to 24/7 location tracking, with information including an individual’s name, date of birth and nationality stored on the device and shared with the government, police and other authorities. Users will receive alerts throughout the day to submit their biometrics and are obliged to carry the device with them at all times.
The fingerprint scanners – known as “non-fitted devices” – will replace GPS-enabled ankle tags for individuals released from detention on immigration bail who have been assessed to have specific vulnerabilities that prevent them from wearing a tag. Some individuals may be moved between device types as part of their bail conditions.
In the latest version of the immigration bail policy, the Home Office said the home secretary would decide which type of device was used and “it will not be open to the person or a representative acting on their behalf to specify the device type”.
The plans emerged after a letter from the Home Office was erroneously sent to Bail for Immigration Detainees (Bid), a charity that represented a man subject to a deportation order shortly after his release from detention a year ago.
The letter, seen by the Guardian, informed the man that “a decision has been made that you meet the criteria for a transition to a non-fitted device”.
The letter stated that, at an upcoming appointment, the ankle tag would be removed and replaced by a fingerprint scanner, adding that the device was “easy to use” and would enable the carrier to verify their identity and location “in seconds”. It also stated: “The device is lightweight and is small enough to keep with you at all times while you are doing daily activities.”
The man was also told he would need to charge the scanner for one hour per day and that the data obtained through the electronic monitor would be shared.
The Home Office stipulates that the collection of location data is “necessary to monitor compliance during your electronic monitoring conditions and therefore for the administration of the lawful enforcement of your immigration bail conditions”.
In November, the government awarded a contract to Buddi Limited to produce the fingerprint scanners. The company, based in Hertfordshire, faced criticism for a £6m contract to produce facial recognition smartwatches, alongside production of GPS-enabled ankle tags.
In the contract with the government, Buddi Limited states that non-fitted devices are a “more proportionate” solution to ankle tags, designed to monitor people over extended periods of time.
But campaigners say the fingerprint fobs are equally as intrusive as ankle tags.
Lucie Audibert from Privacy International said: “We’ve seen no safeguards in the latest immigration bail policy to protect individuals … We also have no information nor guarantees about the accuracy rates of the technology and hence no guarantees against misidentification.
“Overall, the introduction of non-fitted devices shouldn’t be taken as a more humane or proportionate measure; it’s smoke and mirrors, trying to divert attention from the core intrusiveness of these devices. It’s just another step in building the total surveillance of migrants.”
Annie Viswanathan, the Bid director, said “We have spoken to many people about the impact of being monitored 24/7 by the Home Office using GPS technology. Unsurprisingly, this has had a disastrous impact, particularly for those who have mental health problems or have experienced torture or trafficking.
“Our research has shown this leads to further social isolation and stigma for an already marginalised group, and represents an extension of immigration detention outside of the physical walls of a detention centre.”
A Home Office spokesperson said: “It is untrue to suggest that these devices are targeting vulnerable people. The public rightly expects us to carry out our legal duty to electronically monitor any foreign criminals released on immigration bail while awaiting deportation. A decision to tag is taken on a case-by-case basis.”
Buddi Limited has been approached for comment.
