27 August 2025
From policing to privacy – the Biometrics Institute’s annual industry survey maps key trends
The latest research from the Biometrics Institute shows a notable increase in the use of biometrics in policing and law enforcement. While artificial intelligence (AI) and digital identity remain the top areas for anticipated development, the survey indicates significant shifts in policing and law enforcement and national identity in the future. This changing landscape underscores the need for responsible and ethical use of biometrics and continued public education to build trust.
Deepfake technology continues to pose a significant threat to the future of biometric recognition, with 85% of respondents agreeing it is a major concern. The Biometrics Institute’s recently updated Privacy Guidelines are an essential resource for addressing these challenges. This year, the survey took a deeper dive into privacy, revealing that individuals are most concerned about data being shared without their knowledge.
The Institute offers resources across all skill levels, from those seeking foundational learning to industry professionals. The newly released and complimentary Fundamentals of Biometrics online course is designed to build foundational knowledge. For the professional community, events like the upcoming On the Pulse Conversation focused on research and innovation offer an opportunity to engage with experts sharing insights on the latest developments in biometrics.
Multimodal biometrics – a key indicator for enhanced security
While face recognition remains the dominant biometric technology, the survey highlights that multimodal biometrics is also most likely to see the greatest increase in use over the next few years. This indicates that users value the enhanced security of combining multiple biometrics, particularly as spoofing and deepfake attacks continue to pose a significant threat. This year’s Congress will continue the debate on these topics.
Balancing perception, privacy and use
While the use of biometrics in public spaces often dominates headlines, it is important to remember that this technology has many advantages. When applied responsibly, it can increase public confidence, especially when adhering to the Biometrics Institute’s Three Laws of Biometrics, which guide its ethical use.
Privacy and data protection concerns continue to be the most significant barrier to biometric market growth, cited by nearly half of industry professionals. Political, cultural, and social issues have also emerged as key concerns that will continue to hinder future growth, as will legislation and governance. These factors demonstrate the ever-increasing need for responsible use of biometrics, and the Institute provides guidance on privacy and risk management through its resources, including the newly released Procurement Guidelines to help organisations with their acquisition of biometric technology.
Acceptance of biometrics relies on public education
The survey once again affirms that building public trust in biometrics remains a key challenge. A high percentage of respondents believe education is required to foster acceptance, with 84% agreeing that acceptance of biometrics relies on the education of citizens.
“Education is paramount to building public trust in biometrics,” said Isabelle Moeller, Chief Executive of the Biometrics Institute. “We are committed to equipping individuals and organisations with the knowledge to understand and use biometrics responsibly.”
These and other findings are available in the Biometrics Institute’s 2025 Industry Survey. A summary report of the findings is available for the public, with the full report accessible to members
ENDS.
Notes to editors:
214 industry professionals across the world completed the online survey in July 2025.
The information in this press release is taken from the executive summary of the Annual Survey 2024. For further information on the survey findings, please contact manager@biometricsinstitute.org
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.
