The Biometrics Institute launched its Good Practice Framework to members on 16 July. The first-of-its-kind framework – which has been a year in the planning – provides a structured pathway through the factors that may influence or constrain a biometric application.

The online event comprised six biometrics experts using parts of the framework to work through the requirements of a fictional developing country that wanted to introduce biometrics to modernise its border management capabilities.

In a poll of participants at the launch workshop, 96% said they thought the framework would be very or quite useful for their organisation.

Isabelle Moeller, Biometrics Institute chief executive says, ‘In our 2020 Industry Survey, our community told us they believed privacy and data protection concerns restrain the biometrics market to the greatest extent. These concerns are part of the global backdrop to biometrics which include discussions around banning, pausing or introducing stricter legislation to govern the use of the technology. And now COVID-19 has caused a further shift in how we capture and use biometrics. However, the good practices needed to cross this complex terrain have not changed and are detailed in the Good Practice Framework. This brand new tool is the most important resource we have ever released. After fantastic feedback on the launch workshop, we’re planning further training and workshops to help our members really understand how to use the framework and put it into practice on their new and existing projects.’

Roger Baldwin, a Biometrics Institute Advisory Council member who helped devise the framework said, ‘The Biometrics Institute Good Practice Framework is designed for anyone planning to introduce a biometric system or develop an existing application. It provides a high level, systematic pathway to help formulate sound policies and processes while considering their potential societal impacts. I’m looking forward to seeing organisations use it to develop effective governance structures, consider legal requirements, manage system outputs, international standards and independent testing.’

One of the expert panelists, Bob Mocny – a Biometrics Institute Advisory Council member and former director of US-VISIT said, ‘I wish I had this 20 years ago when we implemented US-VISIT, probably the first large scale biometrics programme of its kind involving border security. The Good Practice Framework is an excellent guide for the deployment of biometrics.’

Another panelist, Paul Cross – a Biometrics Institute director, who has over 20 years’ experience managing Australia’s borders and is now head of Border Management Sydney Practice for SITA said, ‘We all come from different backgrounds and the framework is especially helpful for navigating through your weaknesses. Some might get turned on by technology but used to go to sleep when it comes to privacy. Others have an interest in privacy but don’t have a strong technology background. The framework has demystified the space and helps you find your way through what you need to know. It’s terrific.’

Sam Jefferies, biometrics lead for UNHCR, The UN Refugee Agency attended the event and said, ‘The framework is excellent. It will help states and organisations to review their existing biometrics programmes and ensure that biometric services are still fit for purpose and appropriate in this changing world.’

The recording of this launch workshop and a copy of the framework itself is available for Biometrics Institute members to buy. Members should contact Carolyn to do so.

The Biometrics Institute will be announcing more training and workshops to help its members use the framework in the coming months.

ENDS.

Notes to editors:

The Biometrics Institute is the independent and impartial international membership organisation for biometric users and other interested parties. It was established in 2001 to promote the responsible use of biometrics and has offices in London and Sydney.

With more than a thousand members from 240 membership organisations spread across 30 countries, it represents a global and diverse multi-stakeholder community. This includes banks, airlines, government agencies, biometric experts, privacy experts, suppliers and academics.

The Biometrics Institute connects the global biometrics community. It shares knowledge with its members and key stakeholders and most importantly, develops good-practices and thought leadership for the responsible and ethical use of biometrics.

For more information, please email Claire Fox Baron: clairefb@biometricsinstitute.org