The Biometrics Institute recently convened members for an “On the Pulse Conversation” focused on the growing importance of multimodal biometrics in enhancing security and addressing emerging challenges in the digital identity landscape. This online event explored the latest trends, opportunities, and challenges associated with this evolving technology, drawing insights from the Institute’s Annual Industry Survey and Members’ Viewpoint paper on “The Use of Facial Recognition in Policing.”  

Defending against deepfakes

The conversation addressed key questions surrounding the increasing adoption of multimodal biometrics, driven by the rise of digital identity and ongoing concerns about deepfakes. Participants discussed how to move forward responsibly, ethically, and effectively, stressing that multimodal biometrics offer a crucial solution to strengthen protections as it will be nearly impossible to prevent deepfakes. The discussion highlighted the Three Laws of Biometrics – policy before process before technology – underscoring the need for robust policies and well-defined processes to guide the implementation and use of biometric technologies, to ensure ethical considerations and data privacy are prioritised.

Technology is just one piece of the puzzle

Members discussed how much biometric technology has improved and what a critical role it has for example to solve crime.

“As problems continue to occur with misidentification, we need to remind ourselves of the Three Laws of Biometrics.” said Isabelle Moeller, CEO of the Biometrics Institute. “The problem with biometrics doesn’t lie with the technology but rather with the human e.g. a detective not following process. A facial recognition output is just a lead, and it needs to be put in context. People need to be better trained and follow the right policies and procedures that are in place. There is a lack of standards for verifying leads.”

Smarter attacks require smarter solutions

Multimodal biometrics offer a powerful solution for securing digital identity. However, implementation requires prioritising ethical considerations, data privacy, and robust security while maintaining user trust and convenience. Biometrics are tools, not silver bullets. We must avoid over-reliance on any single technology and instead embrace responsible innovation through ongoing dialogue and collaboration within the biometrics community.

Next generation multimodal solutions

A solutions insights session showcased cutting-edge developments in multimodal biometrics, with presentations from:

• Joseph Courtesis, Founder and President of JCour Consulting and member of the Biometrics Institute’s Technology Innovation Group

• Javier Barrachina, R&D Director, FacePhi on multi-biometrics for secure and ethical solutions and on applying the most suitable technologies for a user-centric multi-biometric approach that ensures compliance while enhancing privacy and reducing bias.

• Orly Shechtman, Director of Product Management, Corsound AI on voice intelligence technology and how multimodal biometrics can prevent generative AI deepfake fraud.
• Norman Poh, Chief Science Officer, Trust Stamp on multimodal biometrics that are privacy preserving and why multimodal biometric fusion works.
• Daniyal Chughtai, CTO, Facia on the role of multimodal biometrics in face liveness and deepfake detection for stronger identity verification. 

Addressing the challenges and opportunities of generative AI

Members provided valuable perspectives on the diverse applications of multimodal biometrics, ranging from enhancing security and ethical considerations to combating fraud and GenAI deepfakes. The event underscored the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing within the biometrics industry to address the complex challenges and opportunities presented by this rapidly evolving technology. Discussions included the use of AI to strengthen biometric systems against increasingly sophisticated deepfakes, the critical nature of privacy and data protection, and the need for laws to protect individuals from the misuse of deepfakes. The discussions showed that combining various biometric modalities, such as face, voice, fingerprint, behavioural, and other biometrics, holds significant potential for countering fraud, even in challenging environments.

The event concluded with an interesting proposal: Deepfakes exist, we won’t be able to prevent them. What is the responsibility of governments to protect their citizens from being “deepfaked”? Should they mandate protections and could these include biometrics as a tool for mitigation.

The Institute will continue to debate what good practices, policies and regulation for biometrics should look like. A next On the Pulse Conversation has already been confirmed asking the question: Facial Recognition in a Retail Environment, Clubs, Stadiums and Policing – Should the Same Standards Apply?

Industry trends and insights

The Biometrics Institute’s Annual Industry Survey highlighted the increasing prevalence of multimodal biometrics as the industry seeks enhanced security. The State of Biometrics Report, also delves into these trends, exploring the potential of artificial intelligence as both a fraud enabler and detector.

The Biometrics Institute remains committed to fostering responsible and ethical development and implementation of biometric technologies. To learn more about the Institute’s work and upcoming events, please visit the Institute’s event listing.

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, ethical and effective 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 41 countries. It includes banks, airlines, government agencies, biometric experts, privacy experts, suppliers, academics and 18 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.