Title: INTRODUCTION

Introduction

Overview of the document

This report discusses the deployment of biometrics and the various schemes in which automated recognition of individuals based on behavioural and/or biological characteristics is currently used or could in the future be used in identity management systems. The deliverable summarises in chapter several facts about the biometric technology which has been developing at a fast pace over the last decade. Attention is also given to the legal treatment of biometrics, although a thorough analysis of the legal aspects of biometrics will be made in another FIDIS deliverable. In the same chapter, an overview of different types of models of control in biometric systems in combination with possible uses and owners of systems (subsection ) is given and five types of biometric applications are suggested. Such an overview is useful to discuss biometrics in a more focused way because the great variety of applications in which biometrics could be used, from a political, organisational and technical point of view, often blurs the debate about the deployment of biometrics. The risks and advantages of biometrics will to a great extent depend on how, by whom and for what purposes the biometrics are used. Some control models will clearly involve more risks for the privacy of the individuals, while other models and schemes of deployment offer better possibilities to reconcile security and privacy. It is essential that these models and types are identified and that for each model appropriate safeguards are put in place, whether by adding additional security requirements and/or by additional regulation, whichever is most effective.

The document presents in chapter 4 and 5 in essence an evaluation of the strong and weak points of biometrics in relation to the models, with some recommendations. The report, however, does not aim to discuss in an exhaustive way all the security measures which need to be taken or a possible regulation of the use of biometrics. The report will continue by pointing out some critical issues about the use of biometric data which should be further researched, and will conclude with formulating some guidelines and recommendations for the further development and use of biometric technology in an attempt to realise more security while at the same time preserving privacy.