The Biometrics and Forensics Ethics Group is now the Science and Technology Ethics Advisory Committee.
The name change reflects the committee's increasing role in providing ethical advice on the use and deployment of data ethics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning by the Home Office.
The committee's remit has evolved significantly since its inception, now tackling some of the most pressing ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies. Recognising that its original name no longer captured the breadth of its work, the chair proposed the change to Home Office ministers.
The name change was approved by Lord Hanson and took effect following the announcement made to Parliament, by a written ministerial statement (UN HLWS927), on 16 September 2025.
While the name change opens avenues for exploring how the committee's remit and structures could be better defined to support the Home Office, its remit and responsibilities presently remain unchanged.
Following the name change, the committee will be reviewing and republishing its terms of reference.
Documents such as reports and quarterly meeting minutes which were previously published under the name Biometrics and Forensics Ethics Group are still available online.
The committee is currently considering which publications to republish under its new name. These will be uploaded under Science and Technology Ethics Advisory Committee once ready.
