20 August 2024
Multimodal biometrics on the rise as industry seeks enhanced security
Digital identity and AI continue to drive biometrics growth
Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to transform the biometrics industry over the next five years, according to the latest research from the Biometrics Institute. While digital identity currently leads the field, the rapid advancement of AI is poised to become the most significant development in biometric technology. As AI’s role expands, the Institute emphasises the need for responsible and ethical use, along with public education to build trust.
“Education is paramount to building public trust in biometrics,” said Isabelle Moeller, Chief Executive of the Biometrics Institute. “We are committed to equipping individuals and organisations with the knowledge to understand and leverage biometrics responsibly.”
“The rapid evolution of AI highlights the urgent need for responsible and ethical use of biometrics,” added Moeller. “The Biometrics Institute is dedicated to providing the guidance and education necessary to navigate these challenges.”
The Institute’s updated Digital Onboarding and Biometrics paper and recently released Mitigating Biometric Vulnerabilities in Digital Identity executive briefing continue to provide essential guidance for industry professionals seeking to implement secure and effective biometric solutions.
Clarification of the relationship between AI and biometrics continues to occupy Institute members and an online event on the 29 August will be seeking consensus on this question.
Multimodal biometrics gains traction
While face recognition remains the dominant biometric technology, the survey highlights a key area – multimodal biometrics. The 6% growth of multimodal biometrics in 2024 underscores a growing industry acceptance of the need to use more than one biometric modality for enhanced security and accuracy as deepfakes continue to pose a significant threat to biometrics.
This year’s Congress on 22-23 October in London will shine a light on face, behavioural, iris and voice biometrics and debate the challenges with deepfakes.
Privacy and data protection remain top of the agenda
Privacy and data protection concerns continue to be the most significant barrier to biometric market growth, cited by 58% of respondents. While the industry recognises the importance of safeguarding biometric data, the rapid pace of technological development presents challenges for policymakers and regulators.
The Institute’s Privacy Guidelines, Good Practice Framework and Three Laws of Biometrics offer essential support for organisations to address these challenges and prioritise data protection.
Public education is essential for biometric acceptance
Building public trust in biometrics remains a key challenge. The survey found that 84% of respondents believe significant education is required to foster acceptance. To address this, the Biometrics Institute and members are working to raise awareness about the responsible, ethical and effective use of biometrics.
To support this educational mission, the Institute offers valuable resources, including a free online certificate course on Biometrics Essentials. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of biometric fundamentals, emphasising ethical considerations and best practices.
The Biometrics Institute’s 2024 Industry Survey provides in-depth analysis of these trends and offers valuable insights into the future of biometrics.
A summary report of the 2023 survey findings is available from the Biometrics Institute website. For all the facts, not fluff support the Biometrics Institute’s mission, promote the responsible, ethical and effective use of biometrics and access all the findings.
ENDS.
Notes to editors:
263 industry professionals across the world completed the online survey in July 2024.
The information in this press release is taken from the executive summary of the Annual Survey 2024. For further information on the survey findings, please contact manager@biometricsinstitute.org
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 180 membership organisations from 34 countries. It includes banks, airlines, government agencies, biometric experts, privacy experts, suppliers, academics and 14 Observers representing United Nations agencies, IGOs and European Union institutions.
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.
