The UK’s GPS Tagging of Migrants Has Been Ruled Illegal

The UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) ruled that the Home Office’s 18‑month pilot program requiring up to 600 migrants to wear GPS ankle tags was unlawful due to inadequate privacy assessment and unclear data-use disclosures. The Home Office must update its policies within 28 days and could face fines up to £17.5 million or 4% of turnover if unlawful practices continue. Critics highlighted the intrusive nature of 24/7 location tracking and its potential to reveal sensitive information, while the ICO noted that existing data need not be deleted and that electronic monitoring could be lawful with proper data protections.