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Biometric technology identifies individuals based on their unique physical or behavioral traits. Government bodies, businesses and product developers increasingly leverage biometric systems, citing safety and convenience enhancements among the reasons behind the decision.
As with many burgeoning technologies, biometric tech is being met with both excitement and some concern by experts in the industry. Since it’s likely most members of the public are or will soon be impacted by biometric tech, they need to understand the details. Below, 17 Forbes Technology Council members discuss the capabilities of biometric technology, how it’s evolving, and the potential benefits and drawbacks the public needs to know about.
1. You’ve Probably Already Participated In It
If you’ve uploaded a photo to any website or app anywhere, you’ve already participated in biometric identification. It’s simply too late to panic about facial recognition or biometric data collection. The threat of potential nefarious misuse is overblown. Biometric data is just another identifier, like your address, phone number or email, that can and will be used for your convenience and security. - Gentry Lane, ANOVA Intelligence
2. Voice Biometrics Will Be The Next Big Thing
Voice biometrics will be the next big thing. Voices have several differentiating factors, including tone, pitch, pacing and fluctuations in sound. The combination of these elements makes each person’s voice unique. Banks can use it to protect customer assets, while healthcare providers can ensure they are speaking with the right person during telemedicine consultations. Expect more of it in the years to come. - Nacho De Marco, BairesDev
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3. New Tech Can Analyze More Than One Trait
One important development is multimodal biometrics, in which more than one trait is used for identification. The process becomes more reliable, reducing the likelihood of false positives and false negatives. This approach ensures greater coverage, as not all biometric traits are suitable for identification for every individual. By using a combination of biometrics, we can accurately identify more people, regardless of limitations in specific traits. - Yonesy Nunez, Jack Henry
4. It’s Often Obtained Without Explicit Permission
When it comes to biometric technology, it is important to raise ethical questions about consent and control. Collectors of biometric data may obtain it without explicit permission from individuals, and these individuals need more control over how their data is utilized or shared. Companies and organizations need to be transparent about their biometric data practices and allow individuals to opt out or request the deletion of their data. - Cristian Randieri, Intellisystem Technologies
5. IoT And Other Technology Is Already Capturing Voiceprints
Voiceprint cloning takes little time and is a tactic that has been used successfully for fraud. The public should be aware of any digital interactions they carry out through the Internet of Things or other channels that capture their voiceprints or other biometric data, and they should make sure they are comfortable with a company’s disclosure statement regarding how their data will be used, stored and shared. - Merav Yuravlivker, Data Society
6. It Can Support More Personalized Services
In our increasingly digital lives, we will shortly have a decision to make—if we are not already making it now with our online habits—of choosing between anonymity and customized experiences based on our biometrics (which, in turn, is us). The more we “allow” new systems to know about us, the better, more specific and potentially valuable a service can be. However, in some situations, privacy considerations should win. - J. Tyler Rohrer, Remotely Inc.
7. It Could Promote Inclusivity
A significant positive aspect of biometric technology is its potential for inclusivity. Because it recognizes individuals based on physiological traits, biometric tech can provide access to services for those who may have difficulty with traditional methods, such as the elderly or people with disabilities. However, we must ensure that these technologies are designed and used in ways that do not exclude or discriminate. - Marc Fischer, Dogtown Media LLC
8. Once You’ve Started, There’s No Turning Back
Once you share your personally identifiable biometric information, such as fingerprints or DNA, there is no way back. You can not change your DNA—and now someone has it. Be very careful to whom you give personal information. - Ofer Lidsky, Excellent Brain Ltd.
9. While It’s More Convenient, You Still Must Be Wary Of Sharing Data
The digital identity landscape is rapidly evolving. Biometrics are poised to dethrone the use of passwords and transform travel with facial matching and liveness technologies. While comfort with biometric technology varies across generations, it offers more convenient and secure experiences. Consumers should be open to these benefits but remain careful about where and how they share their data. - Anudeep Parhar, Entrust
10. It Could Be Dangerous In The Wrong Hands
Is a weapon dangerous, or is the person who uses it dangerous? Biometric data is highly personal, private and permanent; it can certainly be a weapon in the wrong hands. If acquired for use by criminal groups or rogue states, its misuse would be devastating. Companies should look to blockchain technology for inspiration to safeguard and encrypt sensitive biometric data. - Sheraz Ahmed, STORM Partners
11. It Enables Mass Surveillance
Biometric technology is like any innovation: It can be used for good or evil. It can be used for mass surveillance, tracking individuals or groups based on their political views, ethnicity, religion or other characteristics. It can have a chilling effect on freedom of speech and association, as individuals may be less likely to express themselves or gather in public if they feel they are under constant surveillance. - Emmanuel Ramos, OZ Digital Consulting
12. It’s Not Cheap
One thing people need to know about biometric technology is that it is not cheap, especially if you have a large-scale business. Many business leaders are surprised when they learn how much it costs to invest in the software, gather the biometric data and implement it across existing frameworks. If you’re trying to build up your brand, look for other effective, traditional security methods. - Thomas Griffin, OptinMonster
13. Advances In AI Have Diminished Its Security
Artificial intelligence will soon allow people to circumvent biometric technology by mimicking your voice, appearance and so on. Biometric tech is not as secure as you think, and your biometric data can be stolen, just like your logins and passwords. Be careful no matter how you choose to authenticate. - Marc Rutzen, HelloData.ai
14. It’s Not Infallible
Biometric technology has potential benefits in terms of security and convenience in various domains, but there are serious concerns about privacy, accuracy and misuse of data. It’s not infallible, and it can be affected by various factors, such as environmental conditions and spoofing attacks. It should be used with other methods and be subject to testing and ethical practices that respect privacy and dignity. - Jagadish Gokavarapu, Wissen Infotech
15. Since It’s Unalterable, Stolen Biometric Data Can Create Big Problems
Biometric data can significantly enhance security. It is incredibly difficult to fake or steal, unlike passwords or physical keys. This can provide a high level of security for personal data and accounts. However, there’s a potential risk of big problems if biometric data is compromised. Unlike a password, you can’t change your fingerprints or retinas if your data is stolen. - Dmitry Mishunin, HashEx
16. Media Portrayals Of The Technology May Distort The Public’s Perceptions
When it comes to biometric technology, there is a big difference between science fiction and reality. Much of the public’s perceptions of advanced technologies—whether good, bad or indifferent—is based on how it is portrayed in the media. Whether it’s because of Star Trek or Minority Report, a company’s biometric technology product has either big shoes to fill or a bad reputation to remediate before it ever comes to market. - Patti Mikula, Hackworks Inc.
17. It Might Be The Only Viable Long-Term Verification Solution
In today’s world, where fake news runs rampant, true verification is rare. Biometric verification might be our only path to a long-term solution. Current verification is done through a form of government-issued IDs (drivers licenses, Social Security numbers and so on). But in a more decentralized world, does that work anymore? If not, biometrics might be the only solution delivering undeniable KYC (Know Your Customer). - Nicholas Domnisch, EES Health