Biometrics privacy is an important topic, particularly since biometrics can be used for many different purposes. There are even a number of industries that use them. For example, in the medical industry, retinal scanning and identification are used. As a result, there are some concerns about how this technology can be abused, such as spoofing and government misuse.
Retinal scanning
There are several biometrics technologies out there. Some are better than others, but retinal scanning is considered to be one of the best.
Retinal scanning is a process of mapping the unique patterns of the human retina. It uses an invisible beam of low-energy infrared light. This beam is not harmful to the eye, and can be used to provide a range of health and medical benefits. The technology is also useful in detecting hereditary diseases.
Retinal scanners are generally used in high-security environments, such as government offices and prisons. These devices are able to verify the identity of an individual with speed and accuracy. However, there are some limitations to this technology.
The technology works by examining complex mathematical patterns of an individual’s eyes. These patterns are stored in a database.
Iris identification
There are some privacy concerns about the iris identification biometrics that law enforcement agencies collect. Among these, is the possibility of long-range iris scanners that could be used to identify people on the move or at a distance.
While iris scanning is not yet a widespread public-use technology, it is in use by the U.S. military and several law enforcement agencies. The FBI handles hundreds of thousands of iris scans.
As of this writing, there have been 1.5 billion iris scans collected worldwide. These scans are stored in databases, which are often accessed by criminals.
Biometric technologies, such as iris recognition, are also being used for e-government services, benefits distribution, and passport-free automated border crossings. In addition, companies like Amazon are investing significant resources to gather biometric data. However, this is a hugely controversial topic, particularly for undocumented immigrants.
Spoofing
Facial biometrics spoofing is a relatively rare phenomenon, but a growing concern in the security world. Fraudsters use fake artifacts to fool biometric sensors and gain access to personal information. The threat is growing as new technologies emerge.
In recent years, identity spoofing has grown significantly, particularly in the banking sector. Identities are forged to facilitate applications for loans, as well as create bank accounts. Some of the most widely used examples of identity spoofing include high-resolution iris images, fingerprints and audio voice recordings.
Despite these risks, biometrics are increasingly being used to identify individuals. Many providers have invested in advanced modalities to protect their systems from spoofing attacks. While these techniques may reduce the risk of spoofing, they still present a significant privacy risk.
Usage in many industries
The usage of biometrics in many industries has shown a remarkable growth. This is due to the security benefits of biometric solutions, which can provide a concrete audit trail and protect sensitive information.
Biometrics can be used in a variety of applications, including time and attendance, membership management, and access control. These solutions offer high accuracy and convenience. They are easy to use, and are secure and difficult to counterfeit.
The banking industry has taken advantage of biometrics and replaced traditional systems with biometric ones. It has also used biometrics for virtual onboarding. Similarly, law enforcement agencies are adopting cloud-based biometric technologies.
Some biometric applications include face recognition, fingerprint scanning, keystroke identification, and iris scanners. The use cases in these industries are endless.
Potential misuse by the government
While the benefits of biometrics are well documented, there are also risks. For instance, data collection can be used to discriminate against certain groups. And the loss of control over biometric information can threaten an individual’s autonomy.
Biometric identification systems can create a number of risks, not the least of which is unintentional misuse by the government. Governments should work with civil society to address these concerns.
One way to minimize the risks of biometrics is to develop a framework for responsible use. The Biometrics Institute has developed guidelines that organizations can use to assess their ethical biometrics practices. These practices can include limiting the use of biometrics to protect societal values, such as the right to privacy.
Another risk of using biometrics is the loss of privacy. When an individual’s information is stored in a database, it is permanent. In the future, it could be used for advertising, hiring, or insurance.