Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to review the automatic algorithmic verification of passport photographs uploaded for online passport applications, to ensure that ethnic diversity does not lead to the rejection of photographs which comply with requirements, for example on the ground that eyes are closed when the photograph clearly shows that the eyes are open.

When applying for a passport online, the photo submitted is subject to an initial check to determine if automated passport office systems would assess that the photo meets the internationally agreed standards for passports.

Where a photo is assessed as not meeting the required standards, it does not routinely mean it is rejected. Customers may override the outcome of this check and submit the photo as part of their application. On receipt of the application, the image will then be assessed by a human to determine whether it is suitable for passport purposes.