Introduction
The increasing use of biometric technology has sparked significant debate among the American public, with concerns about privacy and security at the forefront. While many recognize the potential benefits of biometrics in reducing identity crimes, apprehensions about privacy and data misuse persist, leading to calls for a ban on such technologies.
Description
A significant portion of the American public [4], specifically two-fifths (39%) [5], expresses deep concerns regarding the use of biometric technology online [4], advocating for a ban due to serious apprehensions about providing biometric information. Research from the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) indicates that 87% of individuals were asked to provide biometric identifiers [1] [2] [5], such as selfies [3], fingerprints [3], and voice scans [3], for identity verification in the past year [1] [2] [4] [5]. Despite 63% reporting serious privacy concerns about potential misuse, unauthorized data sharing [3], and surveillance [3], a striking 91% complied with these requests, indicating a complex relationship between necessity and privacy apprehension [3]. Notably, younger individuals (45%) and men (54%) are more likely to support an outright ban on biometric technology [2], while many women and older adults are generally more open to its use [3].
The survey also revealed that two-thirds of respondents acknowledged the potential of biometrics to help reduce identity crimes, with nearly half reporting recent experiences as victims of identity theft. Eva Velasquez [4], CEO of the ITRC [4], emphasized the need for better communication regarding the benefits and risks associated with biometric technologies [1] [4], aiming to enhance public awareness and acceptance despite the discomfort it may cause [4].
The report highlights that identity theft occurs approximately every 22 seconds in the US [3], with over 2,100 data breaches reported in the first nine months of 2023 [3]. It distinguishes between facial recognition and facial verification [3], noting that the former is often used without consent [3], while the latter is initiated by individuals during consent-based transactions [3]. The report advocates for biometrics as a solution to enhance security [3], arguing that static data alone is insufficient for identity verification [3].
Additionally, it addresses the technical and ethical challenges of biometric systems [3], including biases in performance across demographics [3], and highlights the importance of using vetted biometric technologies, conducting risk assessments [3], and implementing data retention protocols [3]. Recommendations include providing individuals with opt-out options and ensuring equitable access to services [3]. Support for biometrics is notably high in specific contexts [3], such as airport security [3], particularly when individuals are assured of data deletion post-use [3]. The report also notes the rising threat of deepfake technology, which poses challenges to the reliability of biometric verification methods [4], especially in the financial sector [4], where deepfakes account for about 24% of attempts to bypass motion-based biometric verification used by banks and service providers [4]. The ITRC calls for a cautious approach to biometric adoption [3], emphasizing the need for strong safeguards [3], regulatory oversight [3], public education [3], and transparency in systems [3].
Conclusion
The debate over biometric technology underscores the tension between leveraging technological advancements for security and addressing privacy concerns. Mitigating these concerns requires robust safeguards, regulatory oversight [3], and public education to ensure informed consent and transparency. As biometric technologies continue to evolve, addressing ethical and technical challenges will be crucial in fostering public trust and acceptance, ultimately shaping the future landscape of identity verification and security.
References
[1] https://ciso2ciso.com/two-fifths-of-americans-want-to-ban-biometric-use-source-www-infosecurity-magazine-com/
[2] https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/twofifths-americans-want-ban/
[3] https://www.biometricupdate.com/202505/expansion-of-biometric-tech-demands-trust-before-adoption-survey-finds
[4] https://trustcrypt.com/significant-portion-of-americans-advocates-for-restrictions-on-biometric-technologies/
[5] https://aboutdfir.com/infosec-news-nuggets-5-21-2025/
