7 April 2026

The role of biometric testing, certification and accreditation in secure deployments

The Biometrics Institute recently hosted its latest On the Pulse (OTP) Conversation, focusing on a cornerstone of responsible use of biometric technology: Biometric Testing – Why test? Who tests? What you Need to Know. The session addressed the urgent need for clarity and standardised reporting as responsible organisations across the globe seek to deploy biometric systems that are both ethical and effective.

The discussion emphasised that while the adoption of biometrics is rising, the value of a system is only as strong as the testing that validates it. Participants gained insights into the rigorous standards that govern how biometric performance is measured and why independent accreditation and certification is vital for maintaining public trust.

The foundation of trust: Testing and accountability

The conversation examined the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of biometric evaluations. Led by a global panel of experts who have supported our community for two decades, the session explored how effective testing mitigates risk for all parties, from technology providers to end-users and government agencies.

Moderated by members of the Biometrics Institute’s Expert Groups, the session brought together leaders from Bixelab, Fime, Ingenium Biometric Laboratories, Michigan State University and SAIC.

Key discussions included:

• Performance in practice: Distinguishing between algorithmic baselines and actual operational performance. The panel noted that while a system may be technically accurate in a controlled setting, real-world variables, such as diverse user demographics and device-specific challenges like mobile kiosks, require scenario-based testing to ensure true effectiveness in the field
• The role of standards: Examining how international standards govern test methodology to ensure industry-wide consistency. The discussion highlighted the maturity of existing biometric standards compared to the rapidly evolving nature of injection attacks, emphasising that while high-level frameworks provide a vital foundation, more prescriptive interpretations are essential to address modern, sophisticated threats
• Certification and accreditation: Clarifying these distinct yet complementary functions to help stakeholders make informed procurement decisions. The group addressed the importance of ‘testing the testers,’ ensuring that laboratories possess the expertise required to interpret standards correctly and deliver reliable, trustworthy data for relying parties. Test labs should demonstrate that they have the right competencies e.g. ISO17025
• The necessity of ongoing testing: Emphasising that testing is a continuous requirement for managing risk and ensuring equity, rather than a one-off activity. Experts highlighted that as generative AI and criminal tools evolve, a regular testing cadence is vital to maintaining consistent performance across all demographics and to confirm that systems remain secure against emerging fraud vectors such a deepfakes and injection attacks

“Clarity on testing and certification is the cornerstone of responsible biometrics,” says Isabelle Moeller, CEO of the Biometrics Institute. “As we deploy these technologies in increasingly complex environments, having a recognised framework for accreditation ensures that systems are not only high-performing but also transparent and accountable.”

A quarter-century of building trust through good practice

As the Biometrics Institute celebrates its 25th anniversary and Silver Jubilee in 2026, it remains the leading independent voice for the responsible, ethical and effective use of biometrics. The Institute provides a suite of good practice tools designed to guide the industry, including the Biometrics Vulnerability Checklist, Top 10 Vulnerability Questions, and guidance on Presentation Attack Detection (PAD) and Liveness.

These resources are essential in a landscape where the Institute’s latest Industry Survey found that 85% of experts view deepfakes as a significant threat. To support members in navigating these challenges, the Institute also offers an executive briefing on Mitigating Biometric Vulnerabilities in Digital Identity.

Trust is built through Policy, Process, and Technology – underpinned by the Three Laws of Biometrics. Furthermore, the Institute’s Good Practice Framework includes dedicated sections on international standards and performance evaluation to ensure technology is implemented with integrity.

With maturity comes wisdom

The meeting concluded by reinforcing that while there are many standards for the industry to navigate, maturity will ultimately bring greater clarity. Excellence requires testing not only the algorithms but also the environment and the user, as the human factor remains a critical component of any biometric system. By setting clear performance targets across these areas, organisations can provide a definitive way to show customers, regulators, and the public that a system is both technically proven and human-centric.

To learn more about these developments and the importance of testing in biometrics, a full calendar of events is available on the events page.

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. It has offices in London and Sydney.

The Institute represents a global and diverse multi-stakeholder community of over 200 membership organisations from 43 countries. While a large proportion of the members are from government, other members include banks, airlines, 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.