1 May 2023: Recent data breaches and concerns over cyber security are currently high on the agenda of our debates at the Biometrics Institute, and as Privacy Awareness Week (1-7 May 2023) begins it is crucial to highlight the importance of securing biometric data and to remain vigilant about online privacy. Is it time to go back to basics, use our Biometrics Essentials learning tool and test your knowledge?

This week we are launching the updated version of our highly regarded Privacy Guidelines, first introduced in 2006. Every two years, the Biometrics Institute revises its Privacy Guidelines to ensure they reflect global changes in technology or legislation which impacts privacy. They are the result of extensive monitoring and consultation by its Privacy and Policy Expert Group, which comprises a broad spectrum of privacy specialists from around the globe.

The Privacy Guidelines include:

• 18 principles ranging from respecting an individual’s privacy across all applications to public safety incorporating privacy principles
• A methodology to make planning, implementing and managing biometrics straightforward, regardless of your knowledge
• Insights into any new challenges and developments affecting biometrics
• Newly added definitions and scenario examples to help members test themselves against each of the guideline principles

As biometric technology continues to affect a growing number of the world’s citizens, the Privacy Guidelines are designed to be universally useable and provide good practice advice whether you are a supplier, user, researcher, operator, purchaser, manager or controller of biometric systems anywhere in the world.

Terry Aulich, head of the Biometrics Institute’s Privacy and Policy Expert Group said, “The guidelines are not intended to replace local laws, but bring a higher level of good practice to the fore. Whether the users are police forces, the aviation industry, border authorities, humanitarian organisations, health researchers or social media companies, the guidelines are ethical and practical advice about obtaining a genuine balance between technology and human considerations.”

The Institute’s Privacy and Policy Expert Group comprises members from many countries and sectors and includes government, academics, independent consultants and legal experts.

Biometrics Institute members can download the guidelines here.

ENDS.

About the Biometrics Institute:

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 and ethical use of biometrics and has offices in London and Sydney.

The member register which represents a global and diverse multi-stakeholder community now lists over 200 membership organisations from 34 countries. It includes banks, airlines, government agencies, biometric experts, privacy experts, suppliers, academics and 10 Observers representing United Nations agencies, IGOs and European Union institution.

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, ethical and effective use of biometrics.

For more information, please email Marco Lombardi: marco@biometricsinstitute.org