Biometric Data: The Cutting Edge of Privacy Challenges

Introduction  

One of the most advanced innovations in the sphere of technology and cyberspace. Bio metric technologies include the systems of facial and voice recognition, fingerprint and iris scanners. With time such technologies, which were once considered sophisticated, have become common in our daily lives. As a result, these technologies have gotten cheaper and much more integrated among the crowd. But with such integration at a rapid rate brings its own set of challenges concerning the data privacy issues of people. But first we must understand the technical architecture and its expansive usage at present.  

The Biometric Technology: Explained 

Biometrics consists of a variety of technologies which use a probabilistic technique of matching which recognizes a person based on their biometric features. Such biometric features are physiology in nature (like fingerprints, iris, face patterns, geometry and symmetry of hand) or even behavioral attributes (like the gait of the person, their signature or even their keystroke patterns) as shown in the famous walking pattern recognition break in scene in the movie Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. These patterns are generally and almost always unique to a person, hence making the technology highly reliable and trustworthy as compared to knowledge or token-based verification systems.  

Initially, a person’s biometric information based on the system’s requirements must be entered, known as enrollment. At this stage, a particular feature or characteristic of a person is recorded for biometric reference. This is recorded as raw data or on a digital template. From this template key features of the person are extracted to create a recorded template to store in database. Most of the systems store the template and not the direct images of the features of the person. There are cases where the images are also stored as standby data for further verification if necessary. Such storage naturally raises certain flags of risks which shall be discussed further. Upon the storage of data in templates, the risks posed for the data collected are much lower; although, notwithstanding the lower risks, necessary measures must be taken to safeguard the data. At the same time when raw data is being stored in the database security control measures and monitoring and auditing of such controls should be undertaken.  

The Challenges 

But as with every other innovation and system, biometric systems come with their own challenges and drawbacks. One of the alarming challenges falls under the purview of privacy. Since biometrics are just like any other technology, they are not inherently cent percent compatible with privacy. Some of the issues that have been identified are: 

Function creep occurs when the information collected for a specific purpose is used for another purpose altogether. It is a matter of concern when such diverted use has not been communicated at the time of enrollment.  

Next would be collection of data without the provider's consent—a passive gathering of people's biometric information without their agreement, involvement, or awareness. Facial biometric information, for example, may be obtained from images that people are unaware are being taken, and latent fingerprints can be lifted to gather biometric information long after they have contacted a hard surface. 

This risk grows as technology advances and becomes more proficient at acquiring biometric information invisibly or remotely. 

Depending on the feature and how the information is kept (as a template or raw data), some biometric traits may provide additional information about an individual beyond what the biometric was originally gathered for. A raw picture of a face biometric. For example, it might expose health information that an individual does not wish to share or has not consented to the collecting of. 

Biometrics question the concept of consent. In the area of information privacy, permission has historically been based on a transactional model, which means that individuals may make choices about their personal information, such as what information is collected, when it is acquired, and how it is used. 

Individuals may be unable to grant permission or control over what biometric information is acquired or how it is utilised if it is obtained in a hidden or passive manner. The capacity to offer meaningful consent is likewise limited when individuals are compelled to engage in a biometric system, for example. 

Conclusion 

Undoubtedly, biometric technologies give a very accurate and quick way of identification, improving privacy and security. In this digital age, an increasing number of users will turn to biometrics to solve difficulties with system security and authentication. Biometrics are difficult to fabricate or spoof, and they are increasingly being utilised in businesses and workplaces because they appear to be long-term solutions for limiting access to high-security areas and preventing identity theft.