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Inquiry concerning the Department of Social Protection

IN-21-7-3

Date of Decision: 9 June 2025

The Data Protection Commission (DPC) has completed an inquiry into the Department of Social Protection’s (DSP) processing of biometric facial templates and the use of associated facial matching technologies as part of the Public Services Card (PSC) registration process, referred to as “SAFE 2 registration”.

Background

This own-volition inquiry, which commended in July 2021, follows a prior DPC investigation into certain aspects of the DSP’s processing of personal data in connection with the issuance of PSCs. That investigation resulted in legal proceedings, in which the DSP appealed an Enforcement Notice issued by the DPC, which were subsequently withdrawn. A joint agreement between the DPC and the DSP as well as the final investigation report from that inquiry were published in December 2021. The final investigation report stated that processing of personal data, including biometric data, by the DSP in respect of SAFE 2 registration was to be addressed separately by the DPC. The current inquiry was established to separately examine the processing of biometric data under SAFE 2 registration, as highlighted in the final investigation report.

Rationale for the Inquiry

SAFE 2 registration is mandatory for applicants seeking a PSC, which is required to access a range of DSP services, including welfare payments. Individuals who do not undergo SAFE 2 registration are unable to access these services. The process involves the collection, storage, and processing of biometric data, specifically facial templates, in relation to a substantial proportion of the population of the State. As biometric data is classified as special category data under the GDPR, it attracts enhanced protections and safeguards.

Given the nature and scale of the processing, the DPC considered that it was essential for the DSP to have a clear and precise legal basis for this processing, accompanied by appropriate safeguards to protect personal data and the fundamental rights of individuals.

Scope of the Inquiry

The inquiry focused on assessing whether:

  • the DSP had a valid lawful basis for collecting biometric data as part of SAFE 2 registration;
  • the DSP’s retention of biometric data collected as part of SAFE 2 registration was lawful;
  • the DSP had complied with its transparency obligations to data subjects; and
  • the Data Protection Impact Assessment conducted by the DSP for SAFE 2 registration was adequate.

Findings

The DPC’s decision found that the DSP:

  • Failed to identify a valid lawful basis for the collection of biometric data, thus infringing Articles 5(1)(a), 6(1), and 9(1) of the GDPR;
  • Consequently, unlawfully retained biometric data in breach of Article 5(1)(e) GDPR;
  • Did not provide data subjects with sufficiently transparent information about SAFE 2 registration, violating Articles 13(1)(c) and 13(2)(a) GDPR; and
  • Did not include required details in the Data Protection Impact Assessment, breaching Articles 35(7)(b) and (c) GDPR.

Corrective Powers Exercised

The DPC imposed the following sanctions:

  • A formal reprimand was issued to the DSP;
  • Administrative fines totalling €550,000 were imposed; and
  • An order was issued requiring the DSP to cease processing of biometric data related to SAFE 2 registration within nine months unless a valid lawful basis can be identified.

Additional Observations

The DPC noted that the findings and corrective measures do not challenge the principle or policy of SAFE 2 registration itself. Furthermore, the inquiry found no evidence of inadequate technical or organisational security measures implemented by the DSP in relation to biometric data processing.

The full decision[1] can be downloaded at this link: Inquiry into Department of Social Protection June 2025 (17MB, PDF).

 

[1] For completeness, the DSP has noted that the facial matching software provider referenced in the Decision is no longer the current provider in respect of the processing of biometric data that was the subject of the inquiry.