Updated Privacy Guidelines address AI and neurotechnology

The Biometrics Institute, the independent and impartial international membership organisation for biometrics users, has announced important updates to its widely respected Privacy Guidelines. Released at a time of accelerating technological innovation and global uncertainty, the 2025 edition offers timely and essential guidance for the responsible use of biometric technologies.

First introduced in 2006, the guidelines are reviewed and revised every two years to reflect evolving global changes in technology or legislation which impacts privacy. They are the result of extensive monitoring and consultation by its Privacy and Policy Expert Group, which comprises a broad spectrum of privacy specialists from around the globe.

The Privacy Guidelines are built around 18 core principles including proportionality, informed consent, protection of biometrics data and purpose and sharing of biometric data. The 2025 edition introduces several key enhancements:

• AI: The guidelines now incorporate how to factor in the use of Artificial Intelligence
• Brainwave biometrics: They provide guidance on the ethical and privacy implications of capturing brainwave patterns for biometric authentication and potential neurotechnology uses like interpreting cognitive states and emotional responses
• Test use cases: Each Privacy Principle now begins with concrete use cases to provide practical examples
• Actionable insights: A dedicated section with key questions has been added to specifically assist managers and key personnel in recognising priorities and discussing overall strategies with their staff and clients

“As biometric technologies increasingly impact people’s lives around the world, these guidelines are designed to be globally applicable and practical,” said Isabelle Moeller, CEO at the Biometrics Institute. “Whether you are a supplier, user, researcher, operator, purchaser, manager, or controller of biometric systems, these principles offer a clear framework for good practice.”

The Institute’s Privacy and Policy Expert Group, includes members from many countries and sectors including government, academics, independent consultants, and legal experts, to ensure a balanced and inclusive approach to privacy in biometrics. This dedicated group provides invaluable insights, rigorously reviewing and updating the guidelines to reflect the latest technological advancements and evolving legislative landscapes worldwide. Their collaborative efforts are instrumental in shaping best practices for the responsible use of biometric technologies.

Biometrics Institute members can download the guidelines here.

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 member register which represents a global and diverse multi-stakeholder community now lists over 200 membership organisations from 41 countries. It includes banks, airlines, government agencies, 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.