Biometric Surveillance Technologies

Biometrics systems are designed to identify or verify the identity of people by using their intrinsic physical or behavioural characteristics. Biometric identifiers include fingerprints; iris, face and palm prints; gait; voice; and DNA, among others. The government insists that biometrics databases can be used effectively for border security, to verify employment, to identify criminals, and to combat terrorism. Private companies argue biometrics can enhance our lives by helping us to identify our friends more easily and by allowing us access to places, products, and services more quickly and accurately. But the privacy risks that accompany biometrics databases are extreme.

Source: Biometrics | Electronic Frontier Foundation

Other Links ︎︎︎

• New Surveillance Tech Means You'll Never be Anonymous Again | WIRED
• Sci-Fi Surveillance | Guardian
• The Use and Impact of Facial Recognition Technology | Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada