Is biometrics a privacy-enhancing or a privacy-threatening technology?

Recent concerns with the possible uses and misuses of biometrics has led to a discussion whether biometrics is privacy-enhancing or privacy threatening. A central question, according to Woodward (1999), is whether a user has full control over his data, knowing when, where, and why submitted biometric data are used. Non-intended reuse is possible in non-biometric systems, but fear is increased due to the highly personal nature of biometric data, as opposed to simply an ID number. Some biometric data, such as DNA, showing medical information can be passed along to commercial systems, insurance companies, or the government. Privacy concerns with biometrics as summarized by Wirtz (2000) are: • Unauthorized access to biometric data • Unauthorized disclosure of biometric data to third parties • Use of biometric data for other than intended purpose • Collection of biometric data without the knowledge of the individual Meeting privacy and data protection requirements is a central concern to ...  more