The Biometrics Institute today released its highly anticipated Biometrics Concepts and Solutions Report, focusing on “The Future of Responsible Biometrics.” This comprehensive report offers invaluable insights and tested solutions from 30 Biometrics Institute supplier members, addressing the critical need for ethical and responsible implementation of this rapidly evolving technology.

The report explores present and future applications while providing practical approaches to navigating biometrics technology. It emphasises the growing demand for transparency and accountability in biometric systems, showcasing how responsible development and deployment can achieve this. Real-world use cases highlight the importance of rigorous testing and offer valuable perspectives on ensuring biometric technologies respect privacy and build public trust.

The report draws on expertise and insights from Biometrics Institute members

• Next-generation biometric solutions for the masses: The transformative potential of biometric solutions for identity management, driven by the rapid advancement of AI is on the horizon. Members emphasise the need for close collaboration between industry, research, and policymakers to ensure the development and deployment of trusted and legally compliant solutions.
• Human expertise is not a backup, but an essential component: Members call for investment in training and collaboration between humans and AI to build systems that are not only efficient but also fair, inclusive, and trustworthy. The emphasis is on reinforcing, not replacing, human capabilities.
• The future of travel: While passports remain essential for now, use cases explore how biometrics are paving the way for seamless, contactless travel experiences. The increasing adoption of biometrics, coupled with initiatives like the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) focus on automating travellers experiences, suggests a future where travel is more efficient and secure. Members emphasise the importance of interoperability between biometric identity systems, particularly for international travel, ensuring smooth collaboration between airlines, airports, border agencies, and governments. It also highlights the need for seamless integration with existing systems to avoid friction and protect traveller data.
• Multimodal biometrics for enhanced security: The pursuit of enhanced security, accessibility, and public trust is driving the rise of multimodal biometrics, which combines technologies like facial recognition, voice and behavioural biometrics. Members highlight that this approach offers increased accuracy and fraud prevention, particularly in sectors like government services, financial institutions, and border control.
• Industry collaboration for seamless travel: The report highlights the strong alignment among governments, airlines, airports, and other industries to make secure, reliable, and ethical biometrics a practical reality. This collaborative effort is crucial for shaping the future of travel, making it easier, faster, and more secure.
• Facial recognition’s pivotal role: Facial recognition, alongside other biometric technologies, is recognised as a foundation for secure and seamless travel. Members emphasise that biometrics, particularly facial recognition, are here to stay and will redefine industry standards. However, this widespread adoption necessitates careful consideration of privacy and fairness. Biometric data, such as facial images, requires robust protection against misuse and unauthorised access to maintain public trust. Furthermore, addressing demographic differentials in biometric algorithms, particularly facial recognition, is crucial.  The report highlights ongoing efforts to create more inclusive models through diverse datasets, the use of generative AI for data augmentation, and the importance of standardisation and validation. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), through programmes like the Face Recognition Vendor Test (FRVT), plays a vital role in this effort, conducting rigorous biometric testing to identify top-performing algorithms. Continuous auditing and inclusive design practices, along with NIST evaluations, are essential to minimise discrepancies in error rates across demographic groups and promote the responsible adoption of biometrics.

The future of biometrics is bright

The Biometrics Institute encourages industry stakeholders, policymakers, and the public to engage in the ongoing conversation about responsible biometrics. The report serves as a valuable resource for understanding the current landscape and shaping the future of this transformative technology. This future must be guided by the principles of responsible biometrics, adhering to the Three Laws of Biometrics: Policy before process before technology. This ensures that ethical considerations and robust policies are in place to guide the development and implementation of processes and technologies, safeguarding individual rights and promoting public trust.

The Biometrics Concepts and Solutions Report: The future of responsible biometrics is freely available to download from the Biometrics Institute’s website.

For further thought leadership and deeper insights into biometrics trends, explore other resources available from the Biometrics Institute, including the State of Biometrics Report and the Annual Industry Survey.

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.