Delegates attending the Biometrics Institute’s Showcase Australia in Canberra last week discussed the need for collaboration to ensure a responsible future for biometrics and artificial intelligence (AI). With the rapid advancement of AI, speed, scale, and possibility are driving new ethical challenges that must be addressed to harness the benefits of biometrics without doing any harm.
Key considerations for a responsible biometrics future include:
- Updating privacy laws and regulations: Before implementing identity verification services reform, it is essential to update privacy laws and establish regulations to safeguard individuals’ data and privacy rights
- Secure and responsible biometric data management: Biometric data must be handled with the utmost security and responsibility to build trust and enable seamless identification and access
- A balanced approach to digital identity solutions: Digital ID solutions should integrate biometric and non-biometric verification methods to strike a balance between security and convenience
- Addressing morphing and deepfake concerns: Manipulating biometric data to create fake identities, poses a significant threat and requires advanced security measures to maintain the integrity of biometric systems
- Learning from biometrics to mitigate AI risks: As AI technologies continue to evolve, they will pose new risks. Lessons learned should be carefully assessed to develop effective mitigation strategies for AI risks
- Securing systems and independent testing: The Three Laws of Biometrics states rigorous biometric testing is a necessity to ensure the integrity of systems. To safeguard data, systems must be secured and tested to independent standards both before and during their lifecycle
Showcasing expertise and fostering collaboration
The Showcase Australia conference brought together experts and stakeholders from across the biometrics industry to share insights and address the challenges and opportunities of a responsible biometric future. Insights that are crucial to unlocking the potential of biometrics for enhancing security, convenience, and inclusivity. By addressing the ethical challenges and implementing robust safeguards, we can ensure that biometrics play a positive and transformative role in shaping the future.
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 and ethical 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 34 countries. It includes banks, airlines, government agencies, biometric experts, privacy experts, suppliers, academics and 10 Observers representing United Nations agencies, IGOs and European Union institutions.
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.
