DPC concludes investigation into facial matching technology for Public Services Card (dataprotection.ie)

• Legal proceedings over DPC enforcement notice on PSC data processing resolved.
• Department of Social Protection must provide alternative identity checks and better information.
• Blanket data retention ruled inappropriate; separate probe into facial matching continues.

"The Data Protection Commission (DPC) has resolved legal proceedings with the Department of Social Protection regarding an Enforcement Notice about processing personal data for the Public Services Card (PSC). The Department acknowledged that other public bodies cannot compel individuals to obtain a PSC without specific legislation and must provide alternative identity verification. Data retention practices will be revised, and a separate inquiry into the use of biometric facial templates in the SAFE 2 registration process continues."