Biometrics: Beginning To Fulfill Its Promise

Public uncertainty about biometrics' impact on privacy and civil liberties has long kept the technology from realizing its full potential. However, these concerns have stemmed primarily from an incomplete understanding of the technology and a mistrust of the organizations that would implement it. The public is much more likely to accept the use of biometrics when it provides them with clear and tangible benefits and when a trusted organization is behind the effort. Several recent successful trials of biometric identity verification — most notably in airport security and border-crossing environments — show that with careful planning and a clearly defined benefit, the public will accept their use.